Standing Guard Over The Tomb Of The Unknowns During Hurricane Irene

Among the stirring images from Hurricane Irene is one of a lone tomb sentinel standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns as the storm swirls about him. That picture and others in the series have been spreading on Facebook and the web since Monday. 

The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died without their remains being identified. On Memorial Day, it is tradition for the acting U.S. president to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Va.

Considered one of the highest honors to serve as a ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, the tomb has been guarded continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since July 2, 1937. Even in severe weather conditions, the guards do not leave their posts.

This is a look at the Tomb of the Unknowns and The Old Guard.