Sacred Duty: A Soldier's Tour at Arlington National Cemetery

Sacred Duty: A Soldier's Tour at Arlington National Cemetery by Tom Cotton 
Audio Book:  8 hours, 30 mins.    Hardback Book:  320 pages 

Author, Senator Tom Cotton has done combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was a platoon leader with the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment or "Old Guard," as it is referred to.   The Old Guard is famous for its 24/7 patrolling of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and its watch over Arlington National Cemetery.    Not just a ceremonial nor fallen honors regiment, the Old Guard is an active military unit and has been called up to duty now and then in various skirmishes/wars over the years since it came into existence.    The Old Guard escorts the sitting President, they also march in funeral processions for various fallen Presidents and dignitaries .  They do the graveside folding of the flag and distributing it to mothers, widows, etc. as well as carrying caskets arriving back home from plane to plane and/or they carry remains directly to the waiting limousine.   Regardless of the weather the sentinels as they are called endure extreme heat and cold, they stand firm in torrential rains and endure the weight of the American flag even during wind storms.   They work 26 hour shifts at Arlington then on their off days they spend a lot of time repairing their uniforms.    It is a grueling task but all members take fierce pride in all their accomplishments to be strong and do their best to uphold the duty they are honored to serve.    This was a telling of how the regiment began, ceremonies since their beginning that they have attended, an introduction to some of the special events they participated in and some of the most serious events in our nation's history and what role the Old Guard played at every step along the way.  When I first started this audio book I wondered what would be told and I found it to a fascinating glimpse into history and some up close impressions of their side, their lives, who they and their families are and the sincerity they put into every aspect of their daily tasks.   A wonderful book.   I recommend this one to ages Middle School through the aged.  We can all learn from the fortitude of these dear soldiers.