The men who protect the Tomb of the Unknowns
The Tomb of the Unknowns, at Arlington National Cemetery, is watched over around the clock by an honor guard comprised of members of the Army’s Third Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard.”
Arts

The men who protect the Tomb of the Unknowns

Putney man screens documentary on ‘The Old Guard’ at BF Opera House

BELLOWS FALLS — A former Putney man is having a free screening of his documentary on the sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Jan. 7.

The Unknowns is a film about America's sacred shrine, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the soldiers who guard it day and night, and what it takes to become a sentinel there. It will be shown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Bellows Falls Opera House in downtown Bellows Falls.

The training of a sentinel at the tomb can last from six months to more than a year. This film covers the exacting training the guards must master to attain the required perfection in presentation.

Ethan Morse, formerly of Putney and West Potsdam, N.Y., and now a producer in Los Angeles, served at Arlington National Cemetery, first on burial detail and then in the prestigious position of ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, earning badge number 548.

Morse received permission in 2012 to record the training of the guards and produce the documentary.

The film is now ready and Morse is hosting the free prescreening in Bellows Falls, and is sponsored locally by FACT-TV 8.

Morse will lead a question-and-answer session after the showing.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to help cover costs.

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