Honoring the Battlefields of France – and the Centennial of America's Unknown Soldier

Following our DAR overseas visit to the Netherlands, I have been given the supreme privilege as your President General of joining members of the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (https://tombguard.org/) as they retrace the somber French ceremonies of a century ago, when the remains of America’s unknown soldier were disinterred from the battlefields there for return to the U.S.

My husband and I are deeply grateful to be traveling with retired members of the elite corps that guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.  According to Arlington’s website,

“Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer. After members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment become ceremonially qualified, they are eligible to volunteer for duty as Sentinels at the Tomb. Fewer than 20 percent who volunteer for this service are accepted for training and fewer still pass to become Tomb Guards. Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build.

Would-be Tomb Guards must first undergo an interview and a two-week trial. During the trial phase, they memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history. This information must be recited verbatim in order to earn a "walk." If a soldier passes the first training phase, "new soldier" training begins. New Sentinels learn the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans. They learn the guard-change ceremony, the manual of arms, and methods for keeping their uniforms and weapons in immaculate condition.

The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is a temporary award until the badge-holding Sentinel has honorably served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months. At that time, the award can become a permanent badge, which may be worn for the rest of a military career. The silver badge is an upside-down, laurel-leaf wreath surrounding a depiction of the Tomb's front face, the words "Honor Guard," and figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor.”

In all, 602 Tomb Guards have earned the badge since the late 1950s; three others await their final test, including the fifth female and first Hispanic female. It was an honor to present Sgt. First Class Chelsea Porterfield, the first female Sargeant of the Guard at the Tomb, with the Margaret Cochran Corbin Award during the 130^th Continental Congress back in July.  

Our National Society participated in the 1921 ceremonies that dedicated the Tomb at Arlington. Last year, I had the privilege of placing the 100^th annual memorial wreath – in all likelihood, ours is the only nonprofit organization to make that claim. Daughters will never forget the courage of our men and women in uniform, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. I am so deeply proud to be an American – and a member of the DAR.

(P.S. I will not be blogging during the journey, but I encourage you to “join” us on the trip by following me on my DAR President General Facebook page.)