Don't Laugh at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Or this guy will own you!

http://www.allproudamericans.com/No-...n-Soldier.html

That's awesome!!! I almost went to that unit but declined so that I could go to Airborne school. However, I went there one Memorial Day and happened to show up during the changing of the guard and the Sergeant gave the audience a briefing. During that briefing he specifically said there will be no talking during the changing of the guard. Well, you know how rude people can be, someone started talking. Right in the middle of the Sergeant inspecting the oncoming guard he stopped, did an about face, and started laying into everyone reiterating that everyone was told to remain silent. I don't have to tell you how quite it was after that encounter.

Just a general rule of thumb is not to mess with people with guns. If said person happens to be a marine also, you definetly dont wanna mess with them lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Just a general rule of thumb is not to mess with people with guns. If said person happens to be a marine also, you definetly dont wanna mess with them lol.

---

You know that is an Army Soldier?

haha, everybody shut up real quick lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

That's awesome!!! I almost went to that unit but declined so that I could go to Airborne school. However, I went there one Memorial Day and happened to show up during the changing of the guard and the Sergeant gave the audience a briefing. During that briefing he specifically said there will be no talking during the changing of the guard. Well, you know how rude people can be, someone started talking. Right in the middle of the Sergeant inspecting the oncoming guard he stopped, did an about face, and started laying into everyone reiterating that everyone was told to remain silent. I don't have to tell you how quite it was after that encounter.

---

Thank you for your service, my family and I very much appreciate it!

I was fortunate enough to train with an individual from the Old Guard at an honor guard training I went to for my agency. The level of dedication and precision those folks put into what they do is near incomprehensible and the amount of time it takes for them to prep their uniforms, let alone the fact that they maintained their vigils during a hurricane says a lot for the type of people they are and what they represent through their actions. They are not only in the view of the public but are also being observed and "graded" by their comrades while they are on vigil and perfect doesn't come close to the level of execution they're expected to achieve. Gun or not, I wouldn't cross them just out of respect for what they do and what they represent.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

You know that is an Army Soldier?

---

Haha no sorry i didnt. I meant no disrespect, looked like a marine uniform to me. Either way i wouldnt wanna mess with him!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by youbeyouibei

Thank you for your service, my family and I very much appreciate it!

---

Thank you for saying that.



Go Noles >>-----;;>>

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Haha no sorry i didnt. I meant no disrespect, looked like a marine uniform to me. Either way i wouldnt wanna mess with him!

---

No, no disrespect. A lot of people dont realize that it is an Army unit that does all of that stuff there. A quick bit random info, if you ever see a multi service color guard (all branches together) you will notice that the Army guy is always carrying the National flag. It's because the Army is the oldest branch and therefore is in charge of the National flag.

Go Noles >>-----;;>>

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

No, no disrespect. A lot of people dont realize that it is an Army unit that does all of that stuff there. A quick bit random info, if you ever see a multi service color guard (all branches together) you will notice that the Army guy is always carrying the National flag. It's because the Army is the oldest branch and therefore is in charge of the National flag.

Go Noles >>-----;;>>

---

Ah i see, thanks for the fun fact and thanks for your service.
Being in the airborne division sounds intense to me, did you get to jump outta alot of planes?

My bro was one of the guards.

People think of the Tomb as a tourist spot, maaaybe as a monument. They forget, it's a grave, and as such, it's entitled to be shown respect. The fact that it is a grave for the remains of soldiers that gave their lives and their identities serving our country means they are entitled to much more respect than is generally shown by the public visiting.

The Tomb Guards are a elite unit, and they take their duties very seriously.

Thank you for your service, RetiredJedi. And Airborne school is pretty awesome.

don't want to hijack the thread but thanks everyone for the "thanks". I jumped for 10 years (my back sure feels it now...hehehe) and have over 100 military static line jumps, meaning they weren't free fall like you saw on Point Break but instead like in the beginning of Red Dawn.

Back on topic, those guys in the Old Guard have stayed there guarding regardless of weather conditions also.

Man I wish that I had picked a job that I could jump out of planes instead I just work on airplanes in the navy and get to ride the worlds worst cruise ship lol


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.855770,-76.200617
1.0 normal bp- Blitz
1.0 Nicaraguan boa- Gavin
0.1 Red Tail Boa- Tara

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dereklondon24

Man I wish that I had picked a job that I could jump out of planes instead I just work on airplanes in the navy and get to ride the worlds worst cruise ship lol


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.855770,-76.200617
1.0 normal bp- Blitz
1.0 Nicaraguan boa- Gavin
0.1 Red Tail Boa- Tara

---

Hey your job is equally important. After all if jedi doesnt have a well serviced plane to jump.from then we as a country wouldnt be much affective. My uncle is a 3 war vet serving in wwII, the korean war and vietnam as a colonel. He was a tailgunner in the army air gaurd in wwII for a bit. Hes 91 years old and still as sharp as he was at 16 when he lied about his age to join the maine national gaurd. Every time hes making his yearly migration to florida he stays with us for a couple days and we visit the tomb. Very touching Place. It represents everything in a nutshell. God bless you guys for your service. It is very appreciated.

I have seen the Tomb Guards performing their duty on many occasions, and each time words fail me. I do not envy that duty.

All of the ceremonial units at Arlington do an outstanding job under some of the worse conditions you can dream up, and not just with the weather, which is almost never ideal. The stress of performing a burial service for a brother in arms is impossible to describe. You want every step and movement to be perfect, for their families, and to honor who they were and what they did. During my 23 years in the USAF I was part of a base level Honor Guard for 2 years and we did many funerals for veterans who passed in our local area.

And Jedi, just when I was really getting to like you, I see this...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

Go Noles >>-----;;>>

---

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

I was born and raised in Gainesville, and will be returning there for good in a few months. GO GATORS!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slim

And Jedi, just when I was really getting to like you, I see this...



:rofl::rofl::rofl:

I was born and raised in Gainesville, and will be returning there for good in a few months. GO GATORS!

---

Well, I'll tell you a lot of my friends are Gator fans including my brother. I don't talk trash because I know that what comes around goes around. I have the utmost respect for your team and coaches and always look forward to that rivalry game each year. I have a sister-in-law that graduated from FSU and she used to get me shirts, shorts, etc. so that's how I became a fan. I graduated from high school in a town south of Sarasota called Englewood. Our rivalry high school was Venice High School where Trey Burton graduated from. I'm not one of the hardcore hate kind of guys.

I still like you Slim. You had me cracking up all day today. Don't worry, you'll come back around and we can be friends again :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

I still like you Slim. You had me cracking up all day today. Don't worry, you'll come back around and we can be friends again :D

---

LOL, No worries, Bro! I think we'll be just fine!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slim

LOL, No worries, Bro! I think we'll be just fine!

---

P.S. good luck with the move.

Where is the picture of you in uniform taken, Afghanistan or Iraq? I was in Iraq in '04 right before I retired.

I haven't been up to Washington in a while to see the old Guard but I plan on going back some time. I like seeing the drill team with the rifles. I had a squad leader back in 1986 when I first joined that was in the Old Guard and he would spin our rifles when he inspected them like the Old Guard guys do.

That pic was taken in Afghanistan in 2007 right before we pushed out on a mission. That 12 month trip to the 'Stan was my last. I retired right after coming home from that one.

BTW, I had forgotton that pic was in my gallery, LOL.

Hey veterans why do they have someone on guard with the tomb? I assume its a respect thing or something... And is it a 24/7 job for the soldiers?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Hey veterans why do they have someone on guard with the tomb? I assume its a respect thing or something... And is it a 24/7 job for the soldiers?

---

"The unknown soldiers buried in the Plaza represent the missing and unknown service members for four different wars. Being buried at Arlington gives these families a place to grieve and pray. We stand watch over their graves in humble reverence, ensuring they rest in peace. These Americans have not only given their lives, but their identities for our freedom and way of life." LINK

Yes it's 24/7 365 regardless of rain, sleet, snow, whatever. Even during Hurricane Irene - Story 1 and Story 2