Haley and Hannah Flynn, Fort Jesup Society of the Children of the American Revolution members, competed in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution(NSDAR) Junior American Citizens(JAC) Committee contest for the 2021-2022 year. The theme was “The 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Rise and Shine for Duty, Honor and Patriotism”. Their entries were awarded first place by the Sabine Chapter DAR and the Louisiana DAR before being eligible for national recognition.
Haley, a recent graduate from Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, won first place in the Creative Expression-Short Story category. Her story shared the preparations a new Sentinel took to pass the requirements to become the sixth female to earn the honor of guarding the Tomb. Here’s her story:
My interview and two-week trial went great and I made sure I knew all seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history so I earned the honor of being able to walk. As a new Sentinel I was responsible for not only learning the history of Arlington National Cemetery but the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans. I had to learn the guard-change ceremony, the manual of arms, and how to keep my uniform and weapons in pristine condition. I successfully passed multiple tests including manual of arms knowledge, uniform preparation, walks and lastly the badge test that consisted of 100 randomly selected questions from the 300 items we had to memorize during training. I was so excited when I got my test back and earned a score well above the required ninety five percent.
As the sun rises I wake up and put my Army Dress Blue uniform on that proudly displays my Tomb Identification Badge on the right breast pocket. It is hard to believe that this is my first day as part of Company E of The Old Guard. I’m only the sixth female to earn the honor of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
After the changing of the guard, I begin my twenty-four hour rotation. For the next hour, my first hour of the day, I will walk across the sixty-three foot rubber surfaced walkway, taking exactly twenty-one steps. Then I’ll turn and face the Tomb for twenty-one seconds, turn again, and pause for an additional twenty-one seconds before retracing my steps. Each twenty-one second moment and each twenty-one step walk symbolizes a twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given to any military.
Being part of this elite group of soldiers for at least the next nine months is my honor. Protecting the Tomb and honoring the soldiers in Arlington will be my most important mission.
Hannah, a 5th grader at Phoenix Magnet, won first place in the Creative Expression-Poem category. Here’s what she entered:
A place of reflection for service above and beyond
One hundred years of unknowns is the bond. Your name may not be known
But your sacrifice is honored in this stone.
Visitors come to pay their respect
And leave knowing your effect.
To honor the unknowns an elite soldier stands guard
Ready to defend your memory, he is your personal bodyguard.
The NSDAR created the JAC Committee to promote good citizenship and appreciation of American heritage and history among every school-age child in the United States. The JAC Committee offers contests in art, creative expression and community service. DAR represents one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the United States and one of the world’s largest women’s organizations. Membership is open to women who can prove lineal descent from a patriot from the American Revolution. A nonprofit and non-political group, DAR promotes education and patriotism. More information is available at www.dar.org