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Friday, September 19, 2003


Guards of Arlington Unknowns refuse to abandon post in hurricane
For the first time ever, the soldiers of the 3d US Infantry Regiment guarding to Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery were given permission to abandon the post if they thought they were endangered by Hurricane Isabel.

They refused.



"They told us that. But that's not what's going to happen," said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. "That's never an option for us. It went in one ear and right out the other."
The tombs have been guarded 24 hours per day, without a break, since 1930.

The Sentinels Creed
My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted.
In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter.
And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect.
His bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night,
this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.
It will take more than a mere hurricane to compel the 3d Infantry to leave the Tomb unguarded.


by Donald Sensing, 9/19/2003 07:25:02 AM. Permalink |  





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