For the first time in the vigil’s 84-year history, there was an all-woman guard change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Friday.
The historic moment took place following Sgt. 1st Class Chelsea Porterfield’s final walk of guard duty.
“It wasn’t anyone’s intent to ‘engineer’ this event, but we knew an event like this had significant meaning,” Col. Patrick Roddy, commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard) told Task & Purpose.
“So in honor of SFC Porterfield’s service, and at her request, the schedules were aligned for the first all-woman changing of the guard as part of her last walk.”
On October 1, the 30,770th day of continuous guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an all-woman guard change took place.
“We commemorate the achievements of these trail-blazing Tomb Guards. While this historic event may be a first, it is not the last. With diversity in our ranks, race, gender, or any characteristics will never hinder, but only enhance the execution of our sacred mission,” the Old Guard shared on Instagram.
While the Old Guard said this historic moment won’t be the last, it’s unclear when the next time an all-woman guard change will take place.
In her position as a sergeant of the guard, Porterfield oversaw the relief and posting of sentinels.
“There has never been an all-woman changing of the guard before. While we’ve had two women guards assigned to the Tomb for a while, they’ve served in different reliefs (like a squad or a shift) and their schedules haven’t aligned for a guard change between them,” Roddy said.
On the day of Porterfield’s last walk and the all-woman guard change, there was a small ceremony.
“We recognized this is important, which is why we’ve shared it, but at the same time didn’t want to make it a spectacle due to the solemn nature of their mission and [the] continual dedicated service of all who walk and have walked the mat continuously for 84 years.”
Congratulations to all involved, especially Sgt. 1st Class Chelsea Porterfield on completing her final walk.
You are all an inspiration.
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