Monday, October 29, 2012

The Old Guard on Duty.

The Old Guard
Tomb of The Unknowns, Arlington

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

What honorable young men compose our honor guard.,may God continue to bless each one and keep them from harms way.

Frederick H Watkins said...

It would be an honor to stand along the sidelines with them.

Anonymous said...

What gives? I couldn't help but notice the use of bayonets.

Gunny G said...

God Bless these men. Having stood post in heavy rain, extreme heat, freezing cold, they are to be admired and honored. This is tough duty.

God rest the souls of the Unknown Soldiers.

LibertyNews said...

Sorry, but that photo isn't from Sandy.

http://mashable.com/2012/10/29/fake-hurricane-sandy-photos/

Semper Fi, 0321 said...

I've never been a big fan of the US Army, mainly for it's lack of discipline (from a Marine perspective), but those guys have my utmost respect and admiration.

Anonymous said...

this gives me such a huge feeling of both pride and sober reflection. what a great photo!

ROger.45 said...

Duty. Honor. Country.

Miles said...

Bayonets you ask?

Formation marching/guard mount etc. with fixed bayonets is a combat honor.

Anonymous said...

@ Anonymous 5.21pm: The bayonets are there to be used if necessary. I was at Arlington several years ago to visit dead family and saw a tourist cross the line to get a better camera angle; the guard on duty halted, faced the tourist and moved into a ready stance with the bayonet pointing right at him. He then barked out that visitors are requested to remain behind the barrier.

Yes, Mr Milquetoast Tourist backpedaled real damn quick.

Interesting (?) note: the M14s used by the Tomb Guards have a modified stock with the pistol grip portion removed to resemble a 1903 Springfield type "S" straight stock.....no idea why.

BoarHawg

Anonymous said...

What a contrast this photo and the total lack of honor that the current white house occupant showed during the Libya murders.

God I will be so glad when that SOB gets out of public housing in DC and moves to his new home in Leavenworth.

Anonymous said...

For those confused about the original bayonet remark ... my apologies for my weak attempt at sarcasm and subtlety. I'll give you a starting point on the original remark's meaning. Check out Obama's derisive remarks towards Romney during the third presidential debate. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I have been to Arlington one time and spent time trying to find the grave of a friend's father who was with the Rough Riders (unsucessful search) and then went to see the changing of the guards. I do not think there was a DRY EYE during the change of the guard. Flash forward to the video of the laughing crowd that got challenged by the guard for laughing as he held his M-14. When I was there, I don't think there was a DRY EYE in the crowd. I will NEVER forget that visit to Arlington.