Honoring the Unknowns

​Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery is a gravesite and national shrine for unknown soldiers from World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Established originally by legislation, the body of an unidentified American soldier from World War I was buried in 1921. This was in accordance with an international movement to recognize those who gave their lives and identities, and perhaps were still
missing, on the battlefields of World War I, which saw combat and violence rise to levels never before imaginable. Each crypt also represents those unidentified or still missing from the from the wars they memorialize.

This shrine has become a pilgrimage site for all who are grateful for sacrifices made by American service members. United States Presidents, foreign heads of state, and other dignitaries visit to pay their respects. Bereaved family members and friends visit as if it was the grave of their loved ones. Americans of all ethnic backgrounds and creeds feel compelled to visit and observe both silence and respect in its presence.

Specially selected and trained Sentinels, often referred to as Tomb Guards, protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier each day. They carry on the tradition of Americans who guarded the Unknowns in the past, including the posting of civilian guards in 1925, military guards in 1926, and 24-hour military guards, who have performed the duty perpetually since 1937.

The Society is a non-profit association organized expressly for and wholly committed to preserving the unique history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of the Unknown servicemen buried on the east plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater as well as the empty crypt dedicated to our nations missing, and protecting and enhancing the welfare and image of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier past and present. As listed in detail on our website at https://tombguard.org/society, our mission involves honoring the Unknowns, preserving history related to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, educating the public, recognizing and developing camaraderie among Tomb Guards (past and present), and supporting the Soldiers actively serving in the Tomb Guard platoon.

Honoring the Unknowns:
- The Society honors the Unknowns through all its activities involved in preserving history and educating the public.
- Conducted many years of remembrance ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to include Society rose and wreath ceremonies associated with reunions.
- WWI Centennial ceremonies in the United States and France, U.S.S. Olympia ceremonies in Philadelphia, and numerous Never Forget Garden dedications.
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Preserving History:
- The Society obtains and preserves documents and artifacts related to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the selection of the Unknowns, the military units and soldiers charged with transporting and guarding the Unknowns.
- This has included a specialty bookcase to preserve Tomb Guard logbooks, and the display of historic artifacts in the Tomb Guard Quarters.

Educating the Public:
- The Society answers public requests for speaking engagements by coordinating with local Tomb Guards and other designated Society members to speak on the Society’s behalf.
- Maintains a public website and social media presence focused on education and engagement.
- Awards the Freedom Scholarship annually, with a competitive application process open to the public.

Recognizing Past and Present Tomb Guards:
- The Society provides a presence and flowers at Tomb Guard funerals.
- Issues specialty items to newly qualified Tomb Guards in the platoon, including a lapel pin version of the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge.
- Hosts a biennial reunion for Tomb Guards and members to come together, share their common bonds, and spend time with family and friends.
- Awards the Adam Dickmyer Scholarship annually, in honor of Adam Dickmyer, a Tomb Guard killed in action in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, with a competitive application process open only to current and former Tomb Guards.

Supporting the Tomb Guard Platoon and their Families:
- The Society provides a presence at Tomb Guard ceremonies involving the platoon, such as badge ceremonies and last walks.
- Provides funds for the Tomb Guard Platoon and family Christmas Party.
- Hosts an annual Tomb Guard Platoon barbecue.
- Organizes and manages a biennial Reunion, inviting active Tomb Guards and families to social events and the Tomb Guard gala.
- Awards the Neale Cosby Scholarship annually, in honor of Col. Lloyd Neale Cosby, a Tomb Guard and founding member, with a competitive application process open only to current and former Tomb Guards, and their family members.

Achieving our mission and fulfilling our purpose ensures that Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives and identities for our freedom will not be forgotten and that the American public
understands this price of freedom.

“Soldiers never die until they are forgotten...
Tomb Guards Never Forget.”