Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Remains Guarded Through Hurricane Sandy

Katie Pavlich | October 29, 2012 12:35 PM

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery will remain guarded through Hurricane Sandy. Photos of a soldier diligently performing his duties were posted on the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Facebook page.

Thank you to all of our followers for the kind words this morning. Old Guard Soldiers are currently conducting modified funerals in Arlington National Cemetery, filling sand bags for contingencies, guarding the Tomb, and important support tasks such as continuing to operate the dining facility and aid station. We will post photos as quickly as we can.

(Spc. Brett Hyde, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), maintains his vigil during Hurricane Sandy while guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Oct., 29, 2012. In 1948 the Old Guard assumed the post following the unit’s reactivation in the nation’s capital. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.))

(Spc. Brett Hyde, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), keeps guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Hurricane Sandy at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Oct. 29, 2012. Hyde lives by the Sentinel's Creed which in part says “Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability”. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.))

(Spc. Brett Hyde, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), takes his twenty-one steps across a water soaked mat while guarding the Tomb during Hurricane Sandy at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Oct. 29, 2012. The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Snow, rain, wind or heat has never stopped the Tomb Sentinels from guarding the tomb for over 64 years. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.))

(This photo was taken (by K.L. Markert) during a storm in September 2012. The Guards are out there today (10/29/2012), still guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as Hurricane Sandy approaches. Bless these soldiers, The Old Guard, and their mission which they uphold with such honor - K.L. Markert)

Last year when Hurricane Irene brought heavy rain and wind to the D.C. area, the Tomb was also guarded.

Editor's note: A previous version of this post indicated the fourth photo was taken today during Hurricane Sandy. It was also credited to Twitter, rather than K.L. Markert. As the caption states, it was taken in September, but shows the resolve and dedication of the soldiers to guard and protect the tomb regardless. I apologize for the error. To see more of K.L. Markert's photos, click here.