Today's Tomb Guard must be able to retain vast amounts of knowledge over many different subjects.  With over 150 different grave sites, 12 poems and numerous questions on the history of Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb and its guards, as well as the US Army and the Regiment, the Knowledge Corner is a small place in the Tomb Guard quarters where trainees demonstrate what they have learned. 

In addition to the 3 General Orders that each solider in the Army has to memorize, there are also 3 Special Orders.  Click on the photo and you will see a set of Special Orders from the 1950's that contained 4 orders.

On this page you will find just a small fraction of what they have to remember.

The Vigil

In measured steps he makes in rounds.
The click of heals the only sounds.
He stands erect so strait and tall,
With pride and dedication responds to the call.
With deep affection his vigil keeps,
Over those who forever sleep.
He responds not to the visitors stare,
Maintaining his vigil as if in silent prayer.

In the mornings twilight hours,
His watch becomes like cathedral towers.
Reaching from earth to heaven above,
A lasting tribute to one mans love.
As time and seasons come and go,
His vigil remains for all to know.
That beneath the sacred Arlington sod,
Lies three buddies KNOWN BUT TO GOD.

(Dedicated to my cousin, SSG John Gallagher, US Army Special Forces, killed in action January 5, 1968, Republic of Vietnam, and to the men who guard the Tombs of the Unknowns.) J.R.