The picture everyone will be talking about...

cwaggoner07

I know this is spreading like wildfire, but I still had to make sure it got shared.



Totally chokes me up.

EDIT: This is not real, THANK YOU to staar987 for pointing that out!

Here are other pictures NOT from Sandy:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/reyhan/viral-photos-that-arent-hurricane-sandy

And here are some that ARE from Sandy:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.515517068472407.121621.109701809053937&type=1

Again, big thanks to staar987 for the correction. I'm going to crawl back into my internet hole.

HobokensFury

Just saw this on FB.

shanding4787

I saw this on FB too. Totally wishing some good samaritans would go brave the storm with them and provide some umbrellas. I know it's probably not the safest thing, but it would be a nice gesture. Or letting them go inside would be even nicer. God bless the men (and women) who serve this country every day,.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:24c5e8d4-6bda-4287-a2a4-5a2bb9bed350">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]I saw this on FB too. Totally wishing some good samaritans would go brave the storm with them and provide some umbrellas. I know it's probably not the safest thing, but it would be a nice gesture. Or letting them go inside would be even nicer. God bless the men (and women) who serve this country every day,.
Posted by shanding4787[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure the soldiers could get access to an umbrella and in indoor area, but they won't go inside or take the umbrella if offered.   The whole point of the ritual is to not leave the unknown soldier's side, regardless of inclement weather. 

GoodLuckBear14

Love.

shanding4787

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:819d7509-2323-4897-94ed-88b1b3e8977d">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : I'm pretty sure the soldiers could get access to an umbrella and in indoor area, but they won't go inside or take the umbrella if offered.   The whole point of the ritual is to not leave the unknown soldier's side, regardless of inclement weather. 
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

I know, but still can't help but feel bad for them.

cwaggoner07

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:819d7509-2323-4897-94ed-88b1b3e8977d">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : I'm pretty sure the soldiers could get access to an umbrella and in indoor area, but they won't go inside or take the umbrella if offered.   The whole point of the ritual is to not leave the unknown soldier's side, regardless of inclement weather. 
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure that's correct, and it's considered a HUGE honor to do it. I mean, I'm sure sometimes in the moment it's rather uncomfortable, but it's something to really be proud of.
My heart swells. :)

peekaboo2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:24c5e8d4-6bda-4287-a2a4-5a2bb9bed350">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]I saw this on FB too. Totally wishing some good samaritans would go brave the storm with them and provide some umbrellas. I know it's probably not the safest thing, but it would be a nice gesture. Or letting them go inside would be even nicer. God bless the men (and women) who serve this country every day,.
Posted by shanding4787[/QUOTE]

<div>They aren't allowed to have umbrellas.  It's not uniform standard.  This unit is probably one of the most amazing though.  It's such an honor, and while they get a lot of press, they're really humble about it.</div>

peekaboo2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:23cc59f5-e35a-475f-a0f0-0fe39b7635a7">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]Okay, I'm horrible, but I think risking your life for tradition alone is stupid, not heroic.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

<div>It's not tradition.  This is a post.  They signed up for this - and that unit is tasked to be there to protect those soldiers 24/7/365, no matter what.  That's what it is, and until that post is rescinded, that's where they'll be.  It's an essential post.  They aren't there of their own accord - they're being paid, and they knew what they were getting in to.  They have the opportunity to take a different post at any time.  They're there because they want to be.</div>

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:23cc59f5-e35a-475f-a0f0-0fe39b7635a7">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]Okay, I'm horrible, but I think risking your life for tradition alone is stupid, not heroic.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

We're only getting the outerbands of rain right now.  I can't see them saying out there all night tonight.  They probably will stay there but inside about ten feet away from the tomb.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:23cc59f5-e35a-475f-a0f0-0fe39b7635a7">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]Okay, I'm horrible, but I think risking your life for tradition alone is stupid, not heroic.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

I agree with you.  I get that they signed up for it, and it IS a huge honor, and they can ask for a different post at any time, but, I still think it would be a good idea to go indoors when there is a hurricane.

I have been to Arlington a couple of times and have seen these soldiers and the changing of the guards a couple times. It's an impressive sight.

But,if there is a hurricane and not just your run of the mill rainstorm, the tomb can go unguarded, or be guarded from a distance.

cwaggoner07

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:bf698fec-694e-4504-bdc0-b5fbde2e0794">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : We're only getting the outerbands of rain right now.  I can't see them saying out there all night tonight.  They probably will stay there but inside about ten feet away from the tomb.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]

Ignorant question? Have they ever done that before? Does anyone know? Is there 'protocol' for knock-down weather like this?

peekaboo2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:6d3d9bab-a99e-4f13-950d-d196a21fa85e">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... :
Posted by LingerLonger1[/QUOTE]

<div>They're a little close to home for me - I'm a military brat.</div>

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:bf698fec-694e-4504-bdc0-b5fbde2e0794">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : We're only getting the outerbands of rain right now.  I can't see them saying out there all night tonight.  They probably will stay there but inside about ten feet away from the tomb.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]

I read a book about this a few years ago, and apparantly, there has only been one time in the history of the tomb that they have left the post.  It was during, a hurricane.   But, they only left for a couple of hours (if memory serves me correctly).

peekaboo2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:5d6a8b05-c12d-4fc6-9766-879524a99d68">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : Ignorant question? Have they ever done that before? Does anyone know? Is there 'protocol' for knock-down weather like this?
Posted by cwaggoner07[/QUOTE]

<div>If they get orders to take shelter, then they can leave.  In the past, they've been known to disobey said orders and stay at their posts.</div>

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:9e7935e6-e43c-459e-9b77-1f37d5e50861">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]I saw this on FB earlier. Im glad ro hear that when it geys really bad they'll probably be inside just a bit away. I have a question though - and this may sound a lottle stupid but i am really curious - are they allowed to move or is it like the guards at Buckingham Palace where they are supposed to stand still?
Posted by laurelrenee1[/QUOTE]

They actually walk a line back... and forth... back... and forth... back... and forth......................

Here is a video of the actual changing of the guards... which happens every 21 minutes or something like that.  And you can see the soldier walking back and forth across that black mat.  They do that all day long.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqZ-mkdp1H0" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqZ-mkdp1H0</a>

peekaboo2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:3aedf432-a9c2-4d13-9522-74f6936d9a08">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : Thank you, that is exactly my point.  I'm not saying it shouldn't be done period, just that perhaps we should allow for common sense to rule over pride and emotion on occasions such as impending natural disasters.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

<div>And at times, they do.  There is a contingency plan in place, but the nature of the Army is such that if you can't stand in a little bit of rain and wind and guard people who died for you, get out.  And if you believe in it that fiercely, nothing anyone says is going to change that.</div>

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:97547289-a1a4-48f8-a1da-aaad21194f0b">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : And at times, they do.  There is a contingency plan in place, but the nature of the Army is such that if you can't stand in a little bit of rain and wind and guard people who died for you, get out.  And if you believe in it that fiercely, nothing anyone says is going to change that.
Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

I get the "if you can't take the wind/rain, etc."    I guess there are a few points...  first, it's a hurricane... not a little bit of wind and rain.  Second, it's a cemetary, in the middle of a hurricane.  What is there to "guard" really?   This is a tradition and a ritual.  There really isn't anything to actually, you know... "guard".    It's not like some punk is going to come and spray paint the tomb in the middle of the night during a hurricane.  Or, the taliban is going to come and bomb the tomb while the soliders are all huddled together being protected from the storm.

The point is, this post is a symbolic post.  It doesn't involve real "guarding", and although it is an honor for those soldiers, I'm pretty sure even they realize that.

peekaboo2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:806efeae-8b64-4357-852f-7ec06a06507c">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : Anyone got a 3 facepalm meme lying around?  I have several versions of the double, but I really feel like this is at least a triple. Peek, I get it.  You're having a knee jerk reaction based on years of conditioning about patriotism, tradition, honor, etc.  I get it, I grew up in the same type of environment.  But you're so damned busy responding to your righteous indignation that you aren't actually listening to or responding to the ACTUAL points of conversation at hand.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

<div>The point of conversation is that you don't think that they should be there.  I think that they should.  End of story.  I happen to believe that the honor in their post transcends weather.  That's the point.</div><div>
</div><div>And Linger, that's fine if you think that I'm BSC for feeling like this.  My mother will probably be buried at Arlington when she dies.  If I have relatives in the Tomb, I'd want them honored no matter what.  That's where this is coming from.</div>

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:97547289-a1a4-48f8-a1da-aaad21194f0b">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : And at times, they do.  There is a contingency plan in place, but the nature of the Army is such that if you can't stand in a little bit of rain and wind and guard people who died for you, get out.  And if you believe in it that fiercely, nothing anyone says is going to change that.
Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

Okay.  A freaking hurricane is more than a little rain and wind.

DH is at work right now (private contractor for the Army) because it is not bad enough yet to close the building.  The militray will shut it down, and remove the guards from The Tomb if it is dangerous to their lives.  I've met many of the officers his office works with (not to mention neighbors who are active duty at Ft. Dix, McGuire AFB and Lakehurst Naval Base) and have never once heard any of them make a statement like this about anyone, including men and women under their command.

kmmssg

It is my understanding that the tomb was not left unattended during Hurricane Irene and I'm guessing it won't be for this one either.  I am sure there are contingency plans and safety policies but from what I understand, if they can stand up and do the job they will be out there.  I applaud them.

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:4ffa28f5-c6f7-4127-bab9-6e817df32cc1">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]It is my understanding that the tomb was not left unattended during Hurricane Irene and I'm guessing it won't be for this one either.  I am sure there are contingency plans and safety policies but from what I understand, if they can stand up and do the job they will be out there.  I applaud them.
Posted by kmmssg[/QUOTE]

As long as they are not in danger.  From what we are seeing already, Sandy is going to make Irene look like a spring sprinkle.  I have never met any commanding officer who unnecessarily risks the lives of those under his/her command.

HobokensFury

The tomb will remain guarded during Sandy. The guards will be moved inside to an enclosure called the "Memorial Display Room" which has a direct line of sight to the tomb.

Ro041

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:a3b21a7a-bfee-4518-8b8f-f5f27af86535">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : It's not tradition.  This is a post.  They signed up for this - and that unit is tasked to be there to protect those soldiers 24/7/365, no matter what.  That's what it is, and until that post is rescinded, that's where they'll be.  <strong>It's an essential post.</strong>  They aren't there of their own accord -<strong> they're being paid</strong>, and they knew what they were getting in to.  They have the opportunity to take a different post at any time.  They're there because they want to be.
Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

<div>I thought Republicans hate anyone who just stands around and gets paid to do nothing!  Hahaha.  I guess it's ok if it comes from the department of defense budget.  LOL!</div><div>
</div><div>*Sits back and waits for the angry replies to come rolling in*</div>

kmmssg

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:397b3f9e-e8d5-4ef8-92ef-0ed6b56a70f5">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... :<strong> As long as they are not in danger.</strong>  From what we are seeing already, Sandy is going to make Irene look like a spring sprinkle.  I have never met any commanding officer who unnecessarily risks the lives of those under his/her command.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I completely agree with the bolded statement.  I never  had a commander who would unnecessarily endanger Soldiers' safety and lives and the Old Guard should not have their lives on the line.  My post was simply meant to applaud the exteme dedication these men and women have. No life should be lost for this.

</div>

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:07b6764e-5877-4c95-bd5e-18131c63b190">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]The tomb will remain guarded during Sandy. The guards will be moved inside to an enclosure called the "Memorial Display Room" which has a direct line of sight to the tomb.
Posted by HobokenBride2012[/QUOTE]

Thanks.  I was trying to remember the name of that enclosure.

kmmssg

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:90cd0ef0-8cef-4b76-acec-2cbf5caa472b">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : I thought Republicans hate anyone who just stands around and gets paid to do nothing!  Hahaha.  I guess it's ok if it comes from the department of defense budget.  LOL! *Sits back and waits for the angry replies to come rolling in*
Posted by Rochelle041[/QUOTE]

<div>that was<strong> incredibly</strong> stupid.</div>

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:904faf37-1fc2-434e-9276-e97b1cdcf05a">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : I completely agree with the bolded statement.  I never  had a commander who would unnecessarily endanger Soldiers' safety and lives and the Old Guard should not have their lives on the line.  <strong>My post was simply meant to applaud the exteme dedication these men and women have</strong>. No life should be lost for this.
Posted by kmmssg[/QUOTE]

You are the last person on these boards that I would ever think would mean anyone else.  I'm sorry if it came out as a criticism of you, I was trying to head off someone else twisting what you said into something she has been saying.

HobokensFury

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:90cd0ef0-8cef-4b76-acec-2cbf5caa472b">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : I thought Republicans hate anyone who just stands around and gets paid to do nothing!  Hahaha.  I guess it's ok if it comes from the department of defense budget.  LOL! *Sits back and waits for the angry replies to come rolling in*
Posted by Rochelle041[/QUOTE]

Wow that's pretty insulting. I predict your time here will not be very long with comments like this.

Ro041

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:5f172810-8d92-4de5-8dcb-c258e7839826">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : that was incredibly stupid.
Posted by kmmssg[/QUOTE]

<div>It was a joke.  My grandfather died in Vietnam, was buried in Arlington, and, as my mom said, would have thought that was hilarious.  my father is retired Army.  I'm a lawyer in the federal government.  Get over yourself and learn to laugh!</div>

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_the-picture-everyone-will-be-talking-about?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b121caab-a41f-4902-83ae-0276acfc934fPost:90cd0ef0-8cef-4b76-acec-2cbf5caa472b">Re: The picture everyone will be talking about...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The picture everyone will be talking about... : I thought Republicans hate anyone who just stands around and gets paid to do nothing!  Hahaha.  I guess it's ok if it comes from the department of defense budget.  LOL! *Sits back and waits for the angry replies to come rolling in*
Posted by Rochelle041[/QUOTE]

WTF is this supposed to mean?!?!?  I've heard a lot of dumbass statements this year but I think this one ranks up there as one of the most insulting.