Recent Updates

PA Associations Present Wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Representatives from each of the public affairs associations presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Arlington National Cemetery.

The associations meet periodically as members of the Joint PA Association Committee to exchange ideas on how best to combine efforts to support the public affairs community. Gathering together for the first time at such an important location was a significant milestone in those continuing efforts. 

Those presenting the wreath included: Kathy Rhem, former president of the Army Public Affairs Association; Eric Schnaible, chairman, Air Force Public Affairs Association; Captain Brook DeWalt, Navy Public Affairs Association; and Rebecca Wriggle, president, Army Public Affairs Association.

“The hallowed ground at Arlington National Cemetery is perhaps our nation’s best-known memorial to military sacrifice,” noted Schnaible. “It was a ‘bucket list’ honor for me to represent AFPAA with our service counterparts at the wreath dedication with the Army Old Guard sentinels.”

Visitors on the marble steps watched in silence as the members brought the wreath forward to the tomb with the aid of a Soldier known as a Sentinel.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the burial site (in a white, marble sarcophagus above it) of a World War I soldier whose remains were unidentifiable. After a design competition was held in 1928, the winning project was completed in 1932. The site now also includes the gravesites of two other unknowns, one from World War II and one from the Korean War, who were buried under two slabs between it and the Memorial Amphitheater behind it.

The World War I "Unknown" is a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross, and several other foreign nations' highest service awards. The U.S. Unknowns from World War II and Korea have also received the Medal of Honor.

The Tomb is guarded around-the-clock by a Tomb Guard from the U.S. Army's 34rd Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard.” An elaborate ceremony, the Changing of the Guard, takes place every half-hour from April through September and hourly from October through March. Visitors can clearly hear the click of the metal taps on their heels as the Soldiers march and turn in a precise pattern in front of the Tomb.

The sentinels carry an M14 rifle and a 9mm pistol.

“The service showed our commitment to freedom, at a place where the connection between those who honorably wore the uniform and their families and the nation we served is honored,” Schnaible noted. “The countless white headstones of ordinary Americans who served make us all reflect on the cost of conflict and the enduring values of service and sacrifice.”

The committee members also received a tour of the operations area where Soldiers answered questions about their duty day (26 hours with about 2 hours of sleep), food and the meticulous attention to detail required in their uniforms and public presentations in all weather conditions.