Trying To Get It Right:

When I was growing up my father taught me the meaning of respect. Being a Marine, he had a different perspective then some of the other father’s – it was “his way” or the “highway.” And, although I never tested him, I think he may have given me the boot if I had dared to disrespect the flag or our great country.

My father was an outstanding man; stern but loving. I lost him to cancer 9 years ago after a 6-month battle. He was head-strong to the end, determined to have the dignity he deserved and was sure he had earned!

I have many fond memories during the time I took care of him, but one morning, just before he died, really stands out. I walked into his room that morning and he looked up at me, signaled toward the end of his bed and stated, “Denise, make sure those two Marines have everything they need.” I said “which Marines daddy?”…”the two standing guard at the end of my bed!” Although I did not see them, I’m absolutely sure my father did.

It wasn’t long after that the Lord took my dad home. I think of this story from time-to-time and smile, knowing it would be just like God to send two Angles who looked like Marines in Dress Blues, to escort him home.

I guess I remember this story for a couple of reasons; not just because of the “Angel Marines” but because they were “standing guard.” This is something I remember from a family trip to Arlington – the Old Guard standing watch over the graves of the Unknown Soldiers.

Those soldiers who stood guard amazed me. They epitomized what my father tried to instill in us, his children. Beyond their training, what fascinated me, and left such a lasting impression, was their dedication to duty. I began to research the Tomb and its guardians.

The Sentinels for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are hand picked and rigorously trained. They come from across the country and from every walk of life: they are men and women. For some it’s their first unit in the Army, for others they have served many years. This duty is not for everyone, over 80% of the soldiers who tryout fail.

Each soldier has a strong military bearing, is disciplined, possesses great stamina and presents an outstanding soldierly appearance in the Army Blue Uniform. Each Sentinel must be able to flawlessly perform seven different types of walks, honors and ceremonies. They must retain vast amounts of knowledge concerning the Tomb, Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Army and their unit.

There are many urban myths circulating about the Tomb Guards. For instance they must commit 2 years of life to guard the Tomb, live in a barracks under the Tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. Nor can they watch TV or talk to anyone for the first six months of duty as a guard.

Actually there is NO set time for service. The average tour at the Tomb is about a year. The Sentinels live either in a barracks on Ft. Myer (the Army post located adjacent to the cemetery) or off base if they like. They do have living quarters under the steps of the amphitheater where they stay during their 24 hour shifts. But when they are off duty, they are off, this includes being able to watch TV and drink if they are of legal age.

My personal favourite myths are that the Sentinels cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives. And they cannot disgrace the uniform (i.e. fighting) or the Tomb in any way – were they to do so the Wreath lapel pin (awarded after two years of service) would be revoked. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

The truth is that the Tomb Guard Identification Badge is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The Badge is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served 9 months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 500 badges have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950’s. And while the Badge can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb. Revocation is at the Regimental Commander’s discretion. (You can drink a beer and even swear and still keep the Badge.) The Badge is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, NOT a lapel pin.

All this information is significant to those who serve(d), perhaps their family, and fewer yet, civilians. For me, I wanted to emphasize a point, that to those who “Stand Guard” – whether it be Soldiers, Marines or Angels – you make a difference. Your commitment IS significant.

Thank you dad for your many years of service to your Country; to the wonderful upbringing you provided me, and for all the mentoring. I feel blessed to have known you and, doubly blessed to have been able to call you “father”.

On this Veterans Day I want to remember and thank, our serving and retired military men and women for their service. And offer my deepest, sincere, gratitude to those who gave their lives. I thank God for them and their remarkable commitment to their job – keeping the United States of America and its citizen’s safe. I thank God for my freedom afforded to me by these men and women, may I never take the freedom I hold so dear for granted. May I never disregard the great sacrifice these soldiers and Marines make – both in their service and with their lives.

Posted via email from Denise Scott Jackson