Something to really think about.

[Drolefille]

I think the second part is an urban legend. They are very admirable though.

[honeychile]

According to Snopes.com, the Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery did indeed keep duty during Hurricane Isabelle:

http://www.snopes.com/military/isabel.htm
http://www.snopes.com/military/unknown.asp

Although there are a lot of limits to their services, they are permitted to talk (somewhat) during their training. There was a marvelous program on the Honor Guard on either the History Channel or A&E, following a few men throughtout their service. Just prior to Memorial Day, they go to every grave in Arlington, place a flag, salute it for a designated amount of time, and then move to the next one.

[DeltAlum]

The soldiers who guard the Unknowns are from the Third US Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard."

Here is some more information and some pictures:

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/thirdinf.htm

[AlphaSigOU]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

The soldiers who guard the Unknowns are from the Third US Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard."

AKA the "Third Herd". While their role is largely ceremonial, they are still very much an active infantry regiment and perform field exercises. Other units in the Army have a not-so-subtle dig on the Old Guard: "... it's a fine outfit - for the infantry!"

They're also the only unit in the Army that marches with fixed bayonets.

However, the Old Guard (also named "the President's own") is not just the Tomb Guard - they're but one platoon in the 3rd Infantry Regiment. (There's a 3rd Infantry Division ("The Rock of the Marne") but they're not related - the 'Third Herd' is older.) The Old Guard also has a fife and drum corps that dress in Revolutionary War uniforms and a traveling drill team, but most of the soldiers assigned to the Old Guard perform burial details at Arlington and military escorts to the President during ceremonial events.

I recommend also reading the book Gardens of Stone by Nicholas Proffitt. It's a well-written story about life in the Old Guard during the Vietnam War. It was also made into a movie in 1987, directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

[Tom Earp]

Thanks Scott.

Awesome info from You and DeltAlum.

I have seen them in action at the Tomb and is something to behold and stand in awe of the Men/Women that The Tomb represents.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by AlphaSigOU

AKA the "Third Herd".

OK, I was wondering if anyone would be tacky enough to mention that stuff.

Just kidding.

Great book. I don't think the movie lived up to it.