Old Guard at Tomb of Unknowns

[jcwit]

james2133, how bout the Lifetime Sobriety requirement?

 

[james2133]

Considering I have seen badge holders drinking I doubt it. but the Tomb Badge can be taken back by the Army even after one separates from the Army. If they get a DUI or similar offense they can loose their badge. While there I knew of a badge that got revoked.

 

[Acera]

take a lifetime oath of sobriety.

False, internet rumor.

If they are of legal drinking age they can drink whatever they want provided they are not on duty.

http://tombguard.org/FAQ.html#Is it...ol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

They got plenty of firepower nearby and if needed they can and will use it.

 

[james2133]

They got the U.S. park Police... its funny I just saw a story on NBC about the Tomb Guards standing through the storm.

 

[stanger04]

It all just proves how great (even when we think it isn't sometimes) this country is. God bless each and every soldier, man or woman, active, retired, or former. Thank you all for your service and sacrifices.

 

[Quoheleth]

First, James2133, thank you for your service and chiming in on my thread. I appreciate your first-hand expertise.

I found this Youtube clip of Guards reprimanding visitors. I don't think I would want one of them yelling at me. The rifle might not be loaded, but the voice sure is! The aggressive position with the bayonett definitely gets one's attention. It's a pity some people don't understand without that "threat."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=nYCPbP_a46I

Q

 

[Balrog]

Is this a waste of government money?

 

[pikid89]

^please tell me this isn't a serious question

 

[Sam Cade]

Is this a waste of government money?

Depends on how you feel about the government sponsoring theater I suppose.


It IS unarguably propaganda.

 

[Kliegl]

While I don't think the soldiers entombed could tell the difference, I can think of about 90% of the government spending I'd cut first.

 

[pikid89]

I think it is important...it reminds people that we generally are not as appreciative as we ought to be of the men and women that have fought and died for our country

 

[medalguy]

Are you serious? Have you ever stood in the amphitheater and watched the changing? I have several times and it never fails to impress me how dedicated these young men and women are. I can't think of another country in the world with this kind of dedication where these young folks would volunteer for this kind of assignment, and then be so proud of their service. Frankly I can think of just about any other government expense that shuld be cut before this one. After all, these guys and girls are really paying honor to all those who have given their lives in the service of this country.

 

[Sam Cade]

I think it is important...it reminds people that we generally are not as appreciative as we ought to be of the men and women that have fought and died for our country

Exactly. Its propaganda. It makes you feel a certain way,encourages you to believe in certain things which may or may not be true, or in the rightness of certain beliefs or actions.

 

[Sam Cade]

I can't think of another country in the world with this kind of dedication where these young folks would volunteer for this kind of assignment, and then be so proud of their service.

These "tombs of the unknowns" are pretty common. Its a very successful and long lived meme.

The Venezulan Guards are pretty snazzy in their Communist Red uniforms

 

[Sam Cade]

Are you serious? Have you ever stood in the amphitheater and watched the changing?

I have actually.



It serves the same ultimate purpose as The Blue Angels or the The Marine Corps Drill (dance) Team.
Its a show to make people feel good.


I would rather the money be spent on something concrete like VA benefits rather than a bit of outdoor theater wouldn't you?

 

[Sam Cade]

Dig the high kicks and SKS rifles at the Russian changing of the guard ceremony at their "Tomb of the Poor Illiterate Conscript who was probably shot by an NKVD Militsiya Commisar for Being Politically Unreliable."


I wonder why they use an SKS and not a more visually impressive rifle like an SVT or Mosin?


Puts me in mind of the ministry of silly walks bit from monty python.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14466267@N07/2298961683/lightbox/

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Wow, this turned unpleasantly political quickly.

If someone tries to turn a thread political, please use the report function rather than taking the bait. Thanks!