Honoring the Guardians of the Tomb: The Silent Sentinels of the Unknown Soldier

Greg Farrall, AIF®CPFA®CWS®PPC®

CEO/Owner of Farrall Wealth a Virtual Multi-Family Focused Office

November 11, 2024

In the heart of Arlington National Cemetery stands a monument that embodies the valor, sacrifice, and eternal respect owed to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn and revered site, symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice of unidentified American soldiers. Standing watch over this sacred ground are the Tomb Guards, members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” These servicemen and women are the epitome of honor, dedication, and respect, fulfilling a role steeped in tradition and reverence.

Recently, I had the fortune to visit now a friend and “kid” I coached on the football field at Culver Military Academy Culver Academies. Andrew Jay was a solid football player and was a great kid to coach.  He played with tenacity and aggressiveness, tremendous qualities.  He graduated from Culver as a young man but returned as a hero.

As quoted in the Culver Cannon written by Tom Coyne May 30, 2023:

“Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Jay ’04 has taken over as sergeant of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Jay took over as the 41st sergeant of the guard on May 30, overseeing daily operations of the unit that has stood watch over the hallowed grounds 24 hours a day since 1937.

“It’s something I could never imagine would happen. Being the 41st of anything is hard to wrap my mind around,” Jay said. “But next to deploying and going to combat for my country, this is among the highest honors I could be doing in the military – guarding the most sacred place.”

Jay said he was honored just to be considered for the position.

“It’s one of the greatest things, if not the greatest thing, that I’ll be completing in my Army career. I feel so lucky to do it,” he said.

Jay joined the Army in 2008, stating that he had considered it while attending Culver Military Academy. He enlisted while working with service members in Utah at Dugway Proving Ground, the Army’s premier science and test facility.

“I was working with service members and allied nations service members who would come to the proving ground, and I’d hear their stories about serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it pushed me to do something more than make money and work,” he said. “It pushed me to want to serve and do what they were doing.” Jay was deployed twice to Afghanistan and once to West Africa.”

The Journey to Becoming a Tomb Guard

Becoming a Tomb Guard demands the highest discipline, precision, and commitment. The selection process is rigorous, involving volunteers who undergo extensive interviews, physical training, and testing. Candidates must exemplify exceptional military bearing, impeccable appearance, and unwavering dedication to duty. Those who pass these initial stages enter a rigorous training program that lasts up to a year.

During training, aspirants learn the history of the Tomb, the precise marching techniques, and the intricate uniform standards. Every detail is scrutinized, from the alignment of medals to the measurement of uniform creases. This meticulous attention to detail reflects the Guards' profound respect for the Unknown Soldiers they honor.

The Weight of Duty

Serving at the Tomb is more than a duty; it is a profound honor and a way of life. Tomb Guards adhere to a strict code of conduct and maintain a standard of perfection 24/7, regardless of weather conditions or external circumstances. Rain, snow, or blistering heat—nothing deters the Guard from their solemn watch. This unyielding commitment symbolizes the eternal vigilance owed to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The changing of the guard, a ceremony conducted with meticulous precision and silent dignity, is a testament to the dedication of these servicemen and women. Each step, each turn, each movement is executed with exacting precision, reflecting the weight of the responsibility they bear. The ceremony, attended by three million visitors annually, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.

A Legacy of Respect

The honor of standing watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier transcends time and individual service. It is a legacy passed down through generations of Guards, each adding their chapter to this storied tradition. The Tomb Guards’ unwavering commitment ensures that the Unknown Soldiers, and by extension all who have served, are never forgotten.

In addition to their ceremonial duties, Tomb Guards often participate in outreach programs, sharing the history and significance of the Tomb with the public. Their stories, experiences, and insights offer a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our military personnel and the profound respect they deserve.

The Essence of Honor

The Tomb Guards embody the essence of honor and respect, not only in their role but in their daily lives. Their service reminds us of the values that define our nation: duty, honor, and respect for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred testament to these values, and the Guards are its living embodiment.

As we reflect on the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, let us remember the silent sentinels who stand watch over the Tomb. Their dedication ensures that the legacy of the Unknown Soldiers endures, inspiring future generations to honor and remember the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

In the quiet moments, as the Guard takes his 21 steps and pauses, we are reminded that honor and respect are not just words but actions lived out daily by those who serve at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Just thank you

Thank you to Sgt 1st Class Andrew Jay for your service and for introducing me to many teammates. Visiting the Tomb is an experience everyone should see; visiting you and your team was an honor.

During my time, I was allowed to see the bowels underneath the Tomb, where the Sentinels live.  Their quarters are humble yet rich in tradition.  They sleep on the floor rather than in a bunk for periods because they believe it helps them perform their duties.  Their furniture was newer, a gift from Bob’s Furniture, replacing the tattered upholstery that had been in place for over thirty years.  Their weight room equipment was newer, donated by the Gary Sinise Foundation, and they love it with competitions of bench presses and chin-ups. Their lockers are plywood.  The women’s lockers have signs for others to respect privacy.  The “rookie” lockers were smaller and farther away than those with seniority; from the mirror, they reported to duty in under three minutes.

The Tomb is a fraternity living underground, in insane conditions, working every day, thinking it is entirely normal, and it works.  Their commitment to their team, each other, their brothers and sisters (23 are men, 2 are women), and their country is limitless and just downright impressive. It just makes you so proud to be an American.

While I was trying to absorb the honor of meeting these young people, Andrew casually mentioned the unique Sig Hauer pistol, which exists in only two copies in the world. He spoke of the daily Sentinel report log, cased in glass, describing the days of President Kennedy’s assassination and the sounds and horrors of 9/11. He discussed statues and plaques made from the wood of the USS Olympia.  He spoke of the ghosts of heroes who had saved lives in countless battles.

This group endures hours of duty representing all of us.  They struggle through heat, wind, rain, snow, and whatever else to honor those who have lost their lives.  While the world swims in chaos and attempts to find its identity, this team stands for honor, integrity, loyalty, courage, and sacrifice.

Their brass was spotless, their uniforms were lint-free, and their shoes shone like mirrors. Their attitudes were 110% teamwork and a life devoted to the uniform. The aura of meeting so many young people preparing for a day of duty was inspiring. They acted like it was everyday work, but I was in awe.

I visited someone at the pinnacle of their career, and now a hero.  When we met, he was just a kid, and I was just a coach, learning a sport that ultimately teaches us teamwork, how to raise a family, build a life, be a good father, and become a better man. When I left Andrew that day, I wobbled. The path past headstones and lost lives was too much.  I had to stop, take a moment to breathe, and take it all in. At times, life is hard.  We all need a reset. A regroup. Wherever you reset, you regroup; I hope you find it. 

Mine was in Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC, that day, walking after saying goodbye to a friend, a kid, now a man, and 25 others he introduced me to.

It was an honor to visit Arlington Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and meet Andrew and his team—the team he now coaches. We are proud of you, young man. Great job being a Coach and even better job being a Patriot.