A Tomb Guard’s Last Walk
A very rare mission… with an even rarer ending…
After a 36 months tour of duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, SSG Ty Vickers was to walk his last walk…
A rainy Saturday, 13 MAR 2010, the on-again off-again “liquid sunshine” kept coming in bands that at times were real soakers. When I arrived at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Tomb Guard was wearing his ”Ceremonial Blue” uniform, despite the rain. Normally, the sentinels are dressed for the weather and I had expected to see him in a raincoat. While he guarded the Tomb, preparations were already underway for the “last walk” commencing at noon.
Among those in attendance on the plaza were MG Karl Horst, Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, CSM Michael Williams also of the Military District of Washington, COL David P. Anders, Regimental Commander of 3d Infantry Regiment – “The Old Guard” and many of the past and current Tomb Guards.
As the bells tolled the noon hour, the changing of the guard commenced – a final inspection including the thorough inspection of his weapon by the commander of the relief and SSG Vickers began his last walk guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns.
It was barely ten minutes into this historic event and the rain once again began to fall – heavy rain, steady rain and SSG Vickers stood his watch walking the mat as he had done for many months during his tour. His Ceremonial Blue uniform absorbing the steady drops of rain, his dedication to his mission never waivered… never faltered… his 21 steps back and forth in front of The Tomb declaring the silent highest honor to those who had given so much. Each click of his heels marking the change of direction, the change of his rifle from one shoulder to the other so precise, despite the falling rain.
As the bells once again rang proclaiming the end of the hour, and another change of the guard, SSG Vickers once again for the “last time” passed on his orders to the relief Tomb Guard. And for the “last time” was ordered to “Fall-out”… and returned to the Guards’ living quarters to leave his rifle there.
In a few moments, he returned bearing in his hands red roses. As he walked again towards the Tomb, he stopped and presented a rose to his mother, then removed his white gloves and presented those to his wife. Saluting the officers lining his route back to the Tomb, he approached the center of the plaza and faced the Tomb saluting. Then approached the sarcophagus of the WW I Unknown , saluted, then reverently knelt on one knee and placed one of the roses at the base, finishing up with another salute. He then proceeded to the WW II crypt, saluted once again and another rose was placed followed by a salute.
Next onto the Korean War Unknown’s crypt – another salute from SSG Vickers, the rose placed gently with another salute to this Unknown and finally one more salute at the crypt dedicated to those of the Vietnam War, the last rose in SSG Vickers’ hand placed and one more salute.
As he returned to center of the plaza and rendered one more salute, a bugler from the US Army’s Band began to play TAPS… SSG Vickers then left the plaza and saluted and was congratulated by his relief commander, the General, the Colonel, and Command Sergeant Major and others lining his route back to the Guards’ living quarters.
As SSG Ty Vickers would say … Line 6!
Please note: the Tomb Guard badge is a very coveted award with less than 600 earned and awarded since 1958. The last walk ceremony of placing roses at the crypts of the Unknowns has (based on information provided) been done since the 1980s – so it is one of the most rarest missions done within “The Old Guard” – 3rd Infantry Regiment, US Army.
Placing of the roses complete - Final Salute to the Unknowns.
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Tags: 3d Infantry Regiment, Arlington National Cemetery, Escort to the President, military, Military District of Washington, Sentinel, The Old Guard, Tomb Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Tomb of the Unknowns, US Army
SFC Lanier,
Thank you for your service. Not only to the fallen but also to the United States of America. I am a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard and was Active Duty Air Force for 9+ years prior to joining the Guard. I was stationed at Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts with a SMSgt Pervis Lanier back in 89-91. Are you related? Pervis was an amazing man. Taught all of us “young airmen” at the time what it was to be a true American and an Airman.
SFC Lanier, keep on leading today. tomorrow and into the future.
SSG Houchens, I take that as a great suggestion … Yes Drill Sergeant!
253,
Oh I forgot, this is the Sergeant of the Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1992-1994 Sentinel
2003-2006 Relief Commander/ Assistant Sergeant of the Guard
2008-Present Sergeant of the Guard
Sergeant Lanier~
I wish you continued peace and blessings. I thank you for your dedicated service throughout your tenure with the Guard and wish you well as you move into the "next level" of your life's journey. I am sure you will be greatly missed.
Stay well
Ruth
Not to rain on your proverbial parade but it was not his class A uniform he was wearing. They are known as "Ceremonial Blues" since he is wearing medals instead of ribbons and also does not have a nameplate or qualification badges on the Blues uniform. Keep up the good work
SSG Houchens, I have since made the change as suggested…
In response to Mr. Donovan; I can see your point but I can also see this being an emotional time for tomb guards. This time honored tradition could easily have an emotional effect on those who guard these soldiers day in and day out, night in and night out. I am only assuming, but the placing of the roses seems to me as if it is a final farewell and thank you for letting that person guard them for such a long period. It doesn't seem to take away from the experience at all if I was watching the ceremony. Keep up the good work tomb guards I'm sure the unknowns would consider it an honor that you guys would sacrifice so much for them.
253,
A last walk is for the Tomb Guard to pay his/her final respects not for attention. It’s a time for the Sentinel and his family (if available) to say thank you for your sacrafice. A lot has changed since your time. Last walks have been done since the late 80s.
I, myself wanted to remain "Unknown" TUS #253. I came down from my last walk, and told my RC, "that's it..I'm done" because after 3/12 years my body no longer afforded me the opportunity to live up to "line 6". I left in '84, and there was no such thing as a "last walk" ceremony. The last thing we ever wanted to do was attract attention to ourselves. That's not why we were there.