ARLINGTON CEMETERY - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

[hawgdawg]

I totally understand your situation. What I was talking about was the motorcycle honor guard or what ever they are called that help keep the wackos like Fred Phelps at bay. Just in passing by, I noticed one guy had a hole about an inch in diameter in his blue jeans. It could have happened on the way to the memorial service, I'll never know, but all I can say is I didn't think it was appropriate to the dignity of the service. No offense to bikers intended--I think that what they do to protect the ceremonies is great.

Ok, I'm on the same page with you now. I understand what your saying.

 

[hawgdawg]

That reminds me of the day that Pres. Ronald Reagan came to the Eisenhower Museum and Presidential Library Center in Abilene, KS. It was as hot as blazes that day, and he had an army honor guard that lined the sidewalk, and those poor soldiers were in their hot dress uniforms standing still for a looong time out in the sun! I had to duck into the air conditioned visitors' center to keep from overheating. I don't know how those soldiers did it, I don't think any of them fell out. I guess if you are fit and conditioned to the heat, with self-discipline it can be done. While I can admire them, I didn't envy their job! However, I'm sure that being on the Presidential honor guard is quite an honor indeed.

Kind of funny story here;
My Grandfather , my Moms dad, was stationed in Pearl Harbor . He was lucky enough his enlistment was up in 1939, and he came home . Well he never liked Shirley Temple , if he ever seen her on TV, he would turn the channel. When asked why he disliked her so much. He said she went to the base one year that he was stationed there, and on a Saturday , his day off, the whole damned base had to stand in formation at Attention in the blazing hot sun for hours for some spoiled 8 year old brat. He said, " What the he\\ is a whole Army base standing at attention for a little girl for anyway "

 

[Crackerjack]

Kind of funny story here;
My Grandfather , my Moms dad, was stationed in Pearl Harbor . He was lucky enough his enlistment was up in 1939, and he came home . Well he never liked Shirley Temple , if he ever seen her on TV, he would turn the channel. When asked why he disliked her so much. He said she went to the base one year that he was stationed there, and on a Saturday , his day off, the whole damned base had to stand in formation at Attention in the blazing hot sun for hours for some spoiled 8 year old brat. He said, " What the he\\ is a whole Army base standing at attention for a little girl for anyway "

*chuckle* Oh my. Well, that would certainly explain his dislike of her. I suppose if one didn't like standing at attention in all kinds of weather, the military would not be their cup of tea. For those who, on the other hand, wish to test themselves and serve their country under the worst of conditions, there are plenty of opportunities to do that in the US military. We certainly need those individuals, and I am glad there are sturdy folks that step up and take on the tasks. While I respect all that serve, uniformed services and the intel community, I especially tip my hat to the special ops folks.

 

[Vermonster]

I remember when I was a kid, first time I visited the Tomb of the Unknown. I can't remember exactly what it was, I think maybe knocking his hat askew, but the soldier did something wrong. He proceeded to walk over to a table, and was doing something. I remember being told that he was writing himself up for his mistake. Found that interesting......

 

[Bill_Ace_350]

Took our niece and nephew to see the sites when they were around 12 and 10.

Saw the Iwo Jima memorial.

Saw the Air Force memorial.

They said "Uncle Bill, why doesn't the Army have a memorial?"

Took them to see the horse stables, toured the cemetary and observed the Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry guard the Tomb.

After watching the Changing of The Guard, they said they understood what the Army memorial was...

 

[Bill_Ace_350]

This IS very interesting information, but its also a bit troubling regarding honoring these 'guards' for their commitment and service?...

I'll just roll here a little, not wanting to be a dik like normal, I'm as patriotic and all for pomp and circumstance and honoring the fallen, but just Who came up with these strange parameters a guy has to wonder? No alcohol for Life or Public swearing? Sure, Living in a bunker beneath a graveyard has some benefits, quiet neighborhood and ample parking.......

Certain physical traits required to even qualify? Dressing in front of a full length mirror? Studying and memorizing? Special shoes? So its like a Girls only kind of thing? Except for the No talking or TV rule? What about Facebook and Texting?

I dont know...I can understand giving props to Audie Murphy, he certainly actually did something..but Taft or Joe Louis?....One was merely a heavy bag blowhard who got hisself shot, and the other a heavy bag puncher who didnt? And some poor non alcoholic bastard has to walk around in a rainstorm guarding them? In steel shoes? I dont get it...I dont see how this is equal or sustainable...

Theres all sorts of unsung and unacknowledged American heroes that did amazing things, lived and died honorably that dont get a diddly damn of this kind of remembrance effort...Like Sonny Bono, Harvey Korman, Rock Hudson...

Hell, my own Father in Law was a waist gunner on a B17 and only one of three living crew members who made it back alive, all shot to hell and frostbitten hands trying to keep those Brownings running....He raised a family and died in obscurity like so many others...Nobody guarding his tomb in the weather....

Damn sorry for this ramble...I just wonder who came up with these parameters for the guards?...Sheesh...I betcha a dollar Robert Baden-Powell was involved....I doubt even Forrest Gump could qualify for this kind of duty! ...He could certainly do it mentally and physically, but he likes to talk you know...

Its good and righteous to remember and honor the ones who served and gave it all...Really did something above and beyond, Nathan Hale for instance, or warriors that lived like Audie Murphy and Alvin York, Al Jacobson, Ethan Allen...

But to honor a guy who has never seen a battlefield, happens to be a sharp dressing teetotaler that lives beneath a graveyard, pulls a 1/2hr shift every so often and can count to 21? Hell, why not throw a Parade for the Macys Doorman? He's gotta dress sharp and stand outside in all sorts of weather too for a lot longer than a 1/2hr shift!...

In the terms of things, its undeniable...An Arlington Guard is about the BEST Military duty a guy could ever get! Nobody shooting at you, no jumping out of airplanes, never getting your @ss kicked in a bar fight, and it comes with a Pension! Talk about a Honorable Discharge!

The Arlington guard would be better comprised of retired veterans on a volunteer basis, short term kind of deal, for the ones who actually served in field....Not clerks and professional doormen....

What I find troubling is the fact that people consider their favorite players, quarterbacks, actors etc., worthy of "hero" status.

I'll call an honorably serving Soldier a hero before I even considered a celebrity for such a status.

 

[Rudy]

For those that have never seen it

Here is a video showing the changing of the guard.

 

[hawgdawg]

What I find troubling is the fact that people consider their favorite players, quarterbacks, actors etc., worthy of "hero" status.

I'll call an honorably serving Soldier a hero before I even considered a celebrity for such a status.

 

[GabbityGabby]

Hmm, interesting trivia Rudy. Thanks!

 

[Rudy]

Hmm, interesting trivia Rudy. Thanks!

You are welcome Gabby.

 

[Detector Nut]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[bmattioli]

Thank you for the post. Interesting facts I never knew..

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks for posting Rudy & thanks to all who have served since the birth of our nation!

 

[The Rebel]

Mud - Not looking to get into a flame war but your post is way out of line, offensive and something has to be said.

While you might not understand the parameters it's the Symbolism that ALL who served, known or unknown are not forgotten.

My Father served stateside during Vietnam training men to fight & die.

My Uncle served and was killed leaving behind a wife & 4 young kids (1 son & 3 daughters). I lost my Mom at 6 and 41 years later the pain of her loss is still with me, so I know what my cousins went thru.

My Grandparents had to bury their only son and help my Aunt raise her kids.

You need to reflect on your post as there are those that paid the Ultimate Sacrifice and those that had to carry on without them.

This IS very interesting information, but its also a bit troubling regarding honoring these 'guards' for their commitment and service?...

I'll just roll here a little, not wanting to be a dik like normal, I'm as patriotic and all for pomp and circumstance and honoring the fallen, but just Who came up with these strange parameters a guy has to wonder? No alcohol for Life or Public swearing? Sure, Living in a bunker beneath a graveyard has some benefits, quiet neighborhood and ample parking.......

Certain physical traits required to even qualify? Dressing in front of a full length mirror? Studying and memorizing? Special shoes? So its like a Girls only kind of thing? Except for the No talking or TV rule? What about Facebook and Texting?

I dont know...I can understand giving props to Audie Murphy, he certainly actually did something..but Taft or Joe Louis?....One was merely a heavy bag blowhard who got hisself shot, and the other a heavy bag puncher who didnt? And some poor non alcoholic bastard has to walk around in a rainstorm guarding them? In steel shoes? I dont get it...I dont see how this is equal or sustainable...

Theres all sorts of unsung and unacknowledged American heroes that did amazing things, lived and died honorably that dont get a diddly damn of this kind of remembrance effort...Like Sonny Bono, Harvey Korman, Rock Hudson...

Hell, my own Father in Law was a waist gunner on a B17 and only one of three living crew members who made it back alive, all shot to hell and frostbitten hands trying to keep those Brownings running....He raised a family and died in obscurity like so many others...Nobody guarding his tomb in the weather....

Damn sorry for this ramble...I just wonder who came up with these parameters for the guards?...Sheesh...I betcha a dollar Robert Baden-Powell was involved....I doubt even Forrest Gump could qualify for this kind of duty! ...He could certainly do it mentally and physically, but he likes to talk you know...

Its good and righteous to remember and honor the ones who served and gave it all...Really did something above and beyond, Nathan Hale for instance, or warriors that lived like Audie Murphy and Alvin York, Al Jacobson, Ethan Allen...

But to honor a guy who has never seen a battlefield, happens to be a sharp dressing teetotaler that lives beneath a graveyard, pulls a 1/2hr shift every so often and can count to 21? Hell, why not throw a Parade for the Macys Doorman? He's gotta dress sharp and stand outside in all sorts of weather too for a lot longer than a 1/2hr shift!...

In the terms of things, its undeniable...An Arlington Guard is about the BEST Military duty a guy could ever get! Nobody shooting at you, no jumping out of airplanes, never getting your @ss kicked in a bar fight, and it comes with a Pension! Talk about a Honorable Discharge!

The Arlington guard would be better comprised of retired veterans on a volunteer basis, short term kind of deal, for the ones who actually served in field....Not clerks and professional doormen....

 

[hawgdawg]

Mud - Not looking to get into a flame war but your post is way out of line, offensive and something has to be said.

While you might not understand the parameters it's the Symbolism that ALL who served, known or unknown are not forgotten.

My Father served stateside during Vietnam training men to fight & die.

My Uncle served and was killed leaving behind a wife & 4 young kids (1 son & 3 daughters). I lost my Mom at 6 and 41 years later the pain of her loss is still with me, so I know what my cousins went thru.

My Grandparents had to bury their only son and help my Aunt raise her kids.

You need to reflect on your post as there are those that paid the Ultimate Sacrifice and those that had to carry on without them.

War affects a lot of people, and not only the ones that fought in it. The fallen have left behind family's that will always wonder , Why ?
You are right about the symbolism and sanctity of that Tomb. Everyday there are sights, smells, and sounds that remind me of some of the guys we lost when I was serving. And at the sight of a graveyard I wonder how many veterans are out there, and the sight at any Veterans Cemetary , usually brings on a few tears.
I can understand your feelings, but I don't believe Mud really meant any harm, but I'll let him respond if he feels so inclined. Sometimes I'm pretty abrupt in the way I put things, but it's not meant to be disrespectful . Sorry for the loss you carry with you each and every day.

 

[Mud-puppy]

I apologize Rebel...and to all others offended...Was not my intention at all.....

 

[laradactyl]

Back when our daughter was in middle school we chaperoned on the DC trip. What a an experience! As others have said the Changing of the Guard at Arlington was awesome to witness. For me going to the Viet Nam Memorial Wall was the high point. All the kids couldn't figure out why Sarah's dad was crying!

To me the Viet Nam Memorial Wall is the most powerful place that I have ever been.

 

[laradactyl]

This IS very interesting information, but its also a bit troubling regarding honoring these 'guards' for their commitment and service?...

I'll just roll here a little, not wanting to be a dik like normal, I'm as patriotic and all for pomp and circumstance and honoring the fallen, but just Who came up with these strange parameters a guy has to wonder? No alcohol for Life or Public swearing? Sure, Living in a bunker beneath a graveyard has some benefits, quiet neighborhood and ample parking.......

Certain physical traits required to even qualify? Dressing in front of a full length mirror? Studying and memorizing? Special shoes? So its like a Girls only kind of thing? Except for the No talking or TV rule? What about Facebook and Texting?

I dont know...I can understand giving props to Audie Murphy, he certainly actually did something..but Taft or Joe Louis?....One was merely a heavy bag blowhard who got hisself shot, and the other a heavy bag puncher who didnt? And some poor non alcoholic bastard has to walk around in a rainstorm guarding them? In steel shoes? I dont get it...I dont see how this is equal or sustainable...

Theres all sorts of unsung and unacknowledged American heroes that did amazing things, lived and died honorably that dont get a diddly damn of this kind of remembrance effort...Like Sonny Bono, Harvey Korman, Rock Hudson...

Hell, my own Father in Law was a waist gunner on a B17 and only one of three living crew members who made it back alive, all shot to hell and frostbitten hands trying to keep those Brownings running....He raised a family and died in obscurity like so many others...Nobody guarding his tomb in the weather....

Damn sorry for this ramble...I just wonder who came up with these parameters for the guards?...Sheesh...I betcha a dollar Robert Baden-Powell was involved....I doubt even Forrest Gump could qualify for this kind of duty! ...He could certainly do it mentally and physically, but he likes to talk you know...

Its good and righteous to remember and honor the ones who served and gave it all...Really did something above and beyond, Nathan Hale for instance, or warriors that lived like Audie Murphy and Alvin York, Al Jacobson, Ethan Allen...

But to honor a guy who has never seen a battlefield, happens to be a sharp dressing teetotaler that lives beneath a graveyard, pulls a 1/2hr shift every so often and can count to 21? Hell, why not throw a Parade for the Macys Doorman? He's gotta dress sharp and stand outside in all sorts of weather too for a lot longer than a 1/2hr shift!...

In the terms of things, its undeniable...An Arlington Guard is about the BEST Military duty a guy could ever get! Nobody shooting at you, no jumping out of airplanes, never getting your @ss kicked in a bar fight, and it comes with a Pension! Talk about a Honorable Discharge!

The Arlington guard would be better comprised of retired veterans on a volunteer basis, short term kind of deal, for the ones who actually served in field....Not clerks and professional doormen....

Mud,

This is the first post by you that I have not enjoyed reading.
Very disrespectful, not only to the few with the discipline to qualify for guard duty at the tomb, but to the tradition of the tomb ceremony, and to some extent to those of us who served.

 

[Mud-puppy]

Mud,

This is the first post by you that I have not enjoyed reading.
Very disrespectful, not only to the few with the discipline to qualify for guard duty at the tomb, but to the tradition of the tomb ceremony, and to some extent to those of us who served.

I am so sorry Larry...I shoulda let this pass, its a raw subject here though...As with most of us, we have had our Family devastated and lost our best to the 'behind the scenes' reasons to go serve and pay the ultimate sacrifice in the first place...I did not intend to disparage the bravery and service of anyone.

You are right though Larry......The OP intended this as a memoriam tribute and in honor of our Countries fallen Battlefield Heros known and unknown...

 

[SeabeeRon]

To me the Viet Nam Memorial Wall is the most powerful place that I have ever been.

There is also a floor in one of the Smithsonian's where they display many of the mementos left at the wall. Also are very moving thing to see when in DC!