Knowledge
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 heels the only sounds.
He stands erect so straight 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 morning's twilight hours,
His watch becomes like cathedral towers.
Reaching from earth to heaven above,
A lasting tribute to one man's 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.
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