28. The Constant Vigil
Since 1937, The Tomb of the Unknowns has been guarded continuously, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. First, by troops of the 3rd Cavalry, and since 1948, by soldiers of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard”, among whose ranks service as Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns is considered one of the highest honors.
The Tomb of the Unknown’s sentinels does not wear rank insignia while posted on guard, in order to avoid the possibility of outranking any of the Unknowns, whatever their rank might have been in life. Only the Relief Commander and the Assistant Relief Commanders wear rank insignia, but only when presiding at the changing of the guard. When they themselves are posted on guard duty, they don a separate uniform without rank insignia.