“Soldiers never die until they are forgotten. Tomb Guards never forget” ~~from The Society of the Honor Guard
Who Are the Tomb Guards?
The mission of the Guard of Honor, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is as follows:* Responsible for maintaining the highest standards and traditions of the United States Army and this Nation while keeping a constant vigil at this national shrine.
* Prevent any desecration or disrespect directed toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Here is an interesting fact: There are three Relief’s assigned to the Tomb Guard Platoon, each consisting of nine soldiers, the same as in a Light Infantry Squad. The heights of the soldiers are equal on each Relief, with the tallest assigned to the 1st Relief. Visitors at the Tomb of the Unknowns notice how tall the soldiers are, but an actual Tomb Guard soldier can tell which of the three Reliefs is working . . . . just based on their height.
- 1st Relief 6′2″ to 6′4″
- 2nd Relief 6′ to 6′2″
- 3rd Relief 5′11″ to 6′
The e-mail currently traveling the Internet highway and byways, regarding the duties and requirements of the Honor Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington, Virginia is not entirely factual. It has been embellished in attempts to turn the young soldiers into saints. See FAQs About The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknowns, for the truth. When you learn the real qualifications and dedication, you will be proud and grateful that their are families in these United States of American who are still raising up sons and daughters of such character. Snopes.com has the story of the e-mail.
The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknowns
Military District of Washington
Always on Guard - The Story of Arlington and Hurricane Isabel
![[Valid RSS]](http://members.cox.net/neddy/valid-rss.png "Validate my RSS feed")
Tomb Of The Unknowns
Click through for the story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Hurricane Isabel….
Trackback by Hurricane! — October 16, 2005 @ 3:04 pm
Chester E. Cameron, former Honor Guard Sentinel, died in Medford, NJ on June 22, 2008. Chet served during the Korean Conflict at the Tomb of the Unknows, 3rd Inf
Comment by Calais Maine — June 29, 2008 @ 1:48 am
CHESTER “CHET” E. CAMERON
CHESTER E. CAMERON
Medford, NJ resident
Chester E. Cameron, age 76 of Medford, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2008 at the Samaritan Inpatient Hospice, Mount Holly.
Born in Houlton, ME, Chester resided in Medford for fifty-five years. He was a parishioner at St. Mary of the Lakes R.C. Church in Medford, and a member of the VFW Post 7677 in Medford. Chet was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict, and was proud to have served as a guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. He belonged to the American Legion in Lubec, ME, and retired as a truck driver from the Teamsters in 1998. He enjoyed wood working and building model light houses. Chester was an avid reader who was well spoken and enjoyed working in his yard.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Helen (nee Martin) Cameron; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael C. and Kathleen A. Cameron of Highlands Ranch, CO; his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth A. and George Conley of Medford; his two brothers and three sisters, Walt, Carroll, Pam, Diane, and Jo Lee; his brother-in-law, Bob Martin; five grandchildren, Shannon and Gregory Conley, and Ellen, Emily and Collin Cameron; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call on Friday, June 27, 2008 from 9 to 10 AM at the MATHIS FUNERAL HOME, 58 N. Main St., Medford,. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Lakes R.C. Church, 40 Jackson Rd., Medford. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Hainesport.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Chet’s memory to the VFW Post 7677, 317 Church Rd., Medford, NJ 08055.
Comment by VEW MEDFORD NJ — July 16, 2008 @ 2:10 am