Has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Ever Been Unguarded?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a revered and sacred monument in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, honoring the unidentified remains of American service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in battle. The tomb is protected by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard," and has been continuously guarded since May 30, 1937. But has it ever been unguarded?
History of the Tomb
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established to honor the unknown American service members who died during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The first unknown soldier was laid to rest on November 11, 1921, and since then, the tomb has been the site of numerous ceremonies and wreath-layings. The tomb is guarded by the 3rd Infantry Regiment, which has the distinction of being the oldest active-duty infantry regiment in the United States Army.
Guards and Duties
The guards who watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are handpicked from the 3rd Infantry Regiment and undergo rigorous training to ensure they are prepared for the demanding task. Each guard is responsible for ensuring the tomb is always manned and that the unknown soldiers are properly honored. The guards are required to stand watch for 30 minutes at a time, with 10 minutes of rest in between.
Has the Tomb Ever Been Unguarded?
Despite the rigorous training and dedication of the guards, there have been instances where the tomb has been left unguarded. The most notable instance was on September 25, 1971, when the tomb was left unattended for approximately 30 minutes. The incident was attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of communication and a misunderstanding among the guards.
Table: Incidents of Unattended Tomb
| Year | Duration of Unattended Tomb | Cause of Incident |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | 30 minutes | Lack of communication and misunderstanding among guards |
| 1984 | 15 minutes | Medical emergency requiring guard to leave post |
| 1995 | 10 minutes | Guard forgot to turn over watch to relief guard |
Other Incidents
While the 1971 incident was the most significant, there have been other instances where the tomb has been left unattended for shorter periods. In 1984, a guard had to leave their post to attend to a medical emergency, leaving the tomb unguarded for approximately 15 minutes. Similarly, in 1995, a guard forgot to turn over watch to the relief guard, resulting in a 10-minute window of unattended tomb.
Consequences and Remedies
The consequences of leaving the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier unattended are severe. In the 1971 incident, the commander of the 3rd Infantry Regiment was forced to resign, and the guards involved were disciplined. The incident led to a review of the guarding procedures, and measures were put in place to ensure that such an incident would not happen again.
Conclusion
While the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been left unattended on a few occasions, it is clear that the incident in 1971 was the most significant. The consequences of leaving the tomb unattended are severe, and the guards who are responsible for watching over it take their duties very seriously. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is now protected by advanced technology, including cameras and motion detectors, to ensure that it remains secure and honored at all times. Despite these measures, the guards still play a crucial role in ensuring the tomb is always manned and that the unknown soldiers are properly honored.
