Edited for brevity.
As the winds from Hurricane Isabel swept over Arlington National Cemetery, the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns were given - for the first time in history - permission to abandon their posts and seek shelter. "They told us that. But that’s not what’s going to happen," said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. "That’s never an option for us. It went in one ear and right out the other."
With the fierce storm bearing down Thursday night, cemetery officials decided to let the guards move indoors if they felt they were in danger. Cemetery Superintendent John Metzler said he believed it was the first time they have been allowed to do so. "We certainly didn’t want to put these guards in jeopardy unnecessarily," Metzler said.
The tomb is protected by soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. Usually about a half-dozen are there, taking turns standing guard, and security cameras also are used. Holmes’ group was on duty for 24 hours, from 6 a.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday. They took turns patrolling the tomb in hourly shifts.
Staff Sgt. Alfred Lanier, also on duty Thursday night, said guards might move inside if the storm became truly life-threatening. But he didn’t think it was likely. "Once you become a badgeholder, it’s like you’ll do whatever you have to do to guard the unknowns," Lanier said. "For one, it’s my job. And for two, that’s just how much respect I myself have for the unknowns. That’s just something we cherish."
The sentries were not entirely unprotected in the storm; they wore rain gear and could warm up with coffee or hot chocolate when not standing guard. |