In 1921, an unknown American casualty from World War I was brought back to the United States and interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Today, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) from Fort Myer, Virginia guard the Tomb rain or shine and will ensure that anyone who plays stupid games at this place of reverence wins stupid prizes. However, the Tomb was not always guarded.
Also Read: A guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier got stabbed and carried on
Following its dedication in 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a popular tourist attraction in the Washington, D.C. area. Concerned about visitors disrespecting the hallowed site, Army Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Fox Conner ordered a military guard on Mar. 24, 1926. At the time, it was a daylight only watch.
The next morning, the first sentinel from the 3rd Infantry was posted. It has been guarded around the clock since 1937.
Since then, Tomb Guards have carried a selection of rifles, bayonets, and pistols. Originally, they were armed with M1903 Springfield rifles, M1905 bayonets, and M1911 pistols. The M1903 and M1905 were later replaced with the M1 Garand rifle and the M1942 bayonet.
After the U.S. military adopted the Beretta M9 pistol, Tomb Guards also switched to the 9mm. Today, they carry M14 rifles, M6 bayonets, and SIG Sauer P320 M17 pistols.
Specifically, sentinels carry one of four custom pistols. Named “Silence,” “Respect,” “Dignity,” and “Perseverance,” they reflect the Sentinel’s Creed as well as the values, history, and tradition of the Tomb. These names are inscribed on the dust covers.
The grips are made of wood taken from the USS Olympia, the ship that brought the first Unknown Soldier back from Europe in 1921. Roman numerals XXI are engraved on the slide as cocking serrations, signifying the 21 steps taken by sentinels and the military honor of a 21-gun salute.
Engraved on the sight plate are Greek figures of Peace, Victory, and Valor that can be found on the east panel of the Tomb. These names, sights themselves, include a glass insert made with marble dust from the Tomb. The baseplates of the 21-round magazines also bear the names of the Greek figures.
Finally, the serial numbers of the pistols incorporate items of significance to The Old Guard: “LS” represents line six of the Sentinel’s Creed: “My standard will remain perfection;” 02JUL36 signifies the date that the 24-hour guard over the Tomb began; 21 again signifying the steps taken by sentinels and the 21-gun salute.
While the four ceremonial pistols are only issued to Tomb Guards, SIG Sauer released a P320-M17 Ceremonial pistol inspired by them. Though it lacks the historical materials and engravings, the high-polish metal frame and custom Hogue walnut grips make the M17 Ceremonial an excellent display piece for a former Old Guard soldier.
Don’t Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty
• What happens if you try to touch the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• This classic carry pistol was used by gangsters, generals, SWAT, and spies
• The Brits didn’t want this rifle, but you’ll be able to buy it soon
