[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOMB GUARDS AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

 Mr. HAGER. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to recognize 
a very special group of Americans, the Arlington National Cemetery Tomb 
Guards of the Third United States Infantry. The Tomb Guards this year 
mark their 50th anniversary--half a century of dedicated service to the 
American heroes who rest at Arlington.
  The dedicated and devoted men and women of the Tomb Guards stand 
watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24 hours a day, seven days a 
week, regardless of weather. Arlington's sacred ground holds many of 
America's heroes, but the unknown soldiers deserve special honor. They 
made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve America's freedom, and they 
died in anonymity--soldiers, as inscribed on their headstones, ``Known 
but to God.''
  Since 1948, soldiers from the ``Old Guard,'' the Third United States 
Infantry, have kept watch at this most special place in Arlington 
National Cemetery. Only soldiers of the highest character and 
standards, with the greatest integrity and professional skill, are 
selected to serve with the Tomb Guards. These men and women are the 
best of the best. The competition is keen.
  As young people across America search for role models, they need look 
no further than this group of dedicated professionals who honor the 
sacrifice of all who have fallen for freedom. I salute the Tomb Guards 
on their fifty years of dedicated service to America's heroes and wish 
them well as they continue their devotion to duty. America is grateful 
for their service.

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