The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had its first all-female guard change in history

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The first all-female guard change takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.





The Old Guard, U.S. Army



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The Old Guard, U.S. Army





Enlarge this image


The first all-female guard change takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.





The Old Guard, U.S. Army



hide caption



toggle caption


The Old Guard, U.S. Army





Enlarge this image


The first all-female guard change takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.





The Old Guard, U.S. Army



hide caption



toggle caption


The Old Guard, U.S. Army




The first all-female guard change takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.


The Old Guard, U.S. Army

According to the Society of the Honor Guard, the guard is changed every half hour in the summer and every hour in the winter, and the watch continues regardless of the conditions outside. «In fact, it is considered an honor to walk the mat during inclement weather, the society said.

Although Porterfield was the first female Sergeant of the Guard, one of the more senior positions in the regiment, there have been other female Sentinels throughout history.

• Tomb of the Unknown Solider