Sentinels

I recently was privileged to be a ‘guardian’ for an Honor Flight event.  For those of you unfamiliar with Honor Flight, it is an organization that sponsors veterans (from World War II and Korea) to a day trip to Washington DC to see the memorials at the National Mall, observe the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and receive the accolades many never experienced when they returned from their duty.  Many of the guardians (escorts for each Veteran) are veterans themselves.  It was a profoundly touching and pride-filled day.  To say that the extra-special treatment of the Vets was incidental to the event is to trivialize their pilgrimage to honor friends they lost and to remember their war-time experiences.  In every way the Honor Flight organizers made sure the Veterans were honored by seas of uniformed military folks and ordinary citizens waving flags, carrying signs, and cheering.  There were many hand-shakes, welcome home wishes, and ‘Thanks for your Service.’  It still makes me tear up when I recall that extraordinary day.

A special event attended is one that has been carried on without interruption 24 hours a day since 1948.  It is the silent observation of the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington.  Volunteers from the 3^rd Infantry are eligible only after they have already been ceremonially qualified in The Old Guard.  Acceptance into the Old Guard’s Company E is not an automatic acceptance to the Tomb Guard.  In fact, there are fewer than 400 soldiers in the past 45 years that have earned the right to wear the Tomb Guard Badge.  It is a tiny and elite group, one might call them a remnant, and the standards are high. 

As I viewed the Changing of the Guard ceremony, it struck me how it was a visual of what we as Torah observant followers should be doing.  There are many parallels that make the Tomb Guard a metaphor for how we should walk. 

Here is the changing of the guard at Arlington to view this event.  Note the narrow path and precision.

The Sentinels walk a narrow line in front of the Tomb.  They move across a narrow path marked by a black mat; you can see where the next footstep will fall by the worn areas on the mat.  Each pass of the Sentry is perfectly timed, totally in line, and elegant in its simplicity of form and total precision. 

When it is time for the changing of the guard three soldiers are participants.   I encourage you to watch the video of this event, as I will not describe it in full.  The highlights are these:  The soldiers’ steps are in perfect unison.  The Relief Commander thoroughly inspects the replacement sentry.  The M-14 rifle that is carried is examined with an open bolt and a white glove to verify it is pristine.  The sentry is inspected front and back, top to bottom, and any minor adjustment made to assure that the uniform is immaculate.  [The day we were there, the Commander made a small adjustment to the replacement guard’s uniform.  I suspect one of the buttons was slightly off center.  It was discretely adjusted by the Commander, the coat was snapped down to readjust, and he continued with his inspection.]

It struck me that this is the kind of attention to detail, steadfastness of duty, and example that we should be modeling in our walk.  Doesn’t He say we should be without spot or wrinkle?

There is no narration of the event at the Tomb.  It is conducted in silence and reverence.  Although ceremonial, it is not a ‘performance’ even though it is viewed by thousands of visitors to Arlington each day.  Indeed, the guards walk the 21 step, turn, ‘shoulder-arms,’  21 second pause, and repeat in the opposite direction continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of the weather and when no one other than God is present to observe their dedication.  Isn’t that what we should be doing?  Aren’t we admonished to preach at all times and when necessary use words?

Shouldn’t we be immaculate in our ‘appearance’ to others and to YHVH?  Shouldn’t we be steadfast to walk the narrow path no matter the time of day? 

The Honor Guards memorize seven pages of the History of Arlington National Cemetery and recite it verbatim. A Sentry is not granted ‘a walk’ before completing extensive training in the manual of arms, guard change ceremony, military rituals and additional information on Arlington which includes the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.  Sentinels commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live under the tomb, and give up alcohol (on or off-duty) for the rest of their lives.  They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives, and cannot disgrace the uniform (fighting) or the tomb in any way!  To do so is to forfeit their hard-won badge as an Honor Guard. Shouldn’t we take the time to learn the Torah the same way? Aren't we admonished to study to show ourselves approved?

The Sentinels Creed:

My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. 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. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well-meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.


The Sentinel at Arlington is a much sought-after assignment.  It is not easy, nor is it without personal sacrifice and commitment.  I am especially struck by this phrase: “I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect.”

Mic 6:8  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Can we as YHVH’s chosen people do any less than a Sentinel in Arlington? Will we remain loyal, steadfast and true regardless of the weather or time of day?  Observed or not, can we walk humbly alone with our God?  Will we take the time to memorize His statutes, history and instruction?  Will we be able to direct those who ask where to find the hidden things in His Torah? Will our walk testify of our dedication and loyalty to Him? Is the narrow path only for the Sentinels?  Can we present ourselves without spot or wrinkle as is befitting His faithful?  Is it really beyond our ability to walk in perfection the task set before us?