Sacred Duty

A Soldier's Tour at Arlington National Cemetery

De: Tom Cotton

Narrado por: Tom Cotton, Jeremy Arthur

Their Duty Is Sacred. Their Standard Is Perfection.

An extraordinary journey behind the scenes of Arlington National Cemetery, Senator Tom Cotton’s Sacred Duty offers an intimate and inspiring portrait of “The Old Guard”, the revered US Army unit whose mission is to honor our country’s fallen heroes on the most hallowed ground in America.

Cotton was a platoon leader with the storied 3rd US Infantry Regiment - The Old Guard - between combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the height of the Iraq Surge, he carried the flag-draped remains of his fallen comrades off of airplanes at Dover Air Force Base, and he laid them to rest in Arlington’s famed Section 60, “the saddest acre in America.” He also performed hundreds of funerals for veterans of the Greatest Generation, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The Old Guard has embodied the ideals of honor and sacrifice across our nation’s history. America’s oldest active-duty regiment, dating back to 1784, The Old Guard conducts daily military-honor funerals on the 624 rolling acres of Arlington, where generations of American heroes rest. Its soldiers hold themselves to the standard of perfection in sweltering heat, frigid cold, and driving rain. Every funeral is a no-fail, zero-defect mission, whether honoring a legendary general or a humble private.

In researching and writing the book, Cotton returned to Arlington and shadowed the regiment’s soldiers, from daily funerals to the state funeral of President George H. W. Bush to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, reliving the honor - and the challenges - of duty at the nation’s “most sacred shrine.”

Part history of The Old Guard, part memoir of Cotton’s time at Arlington, part intimate profile of the today’s soldiers, Sacred Duty is an unforgettable testament to the timeless power of service and sacrifice to our nation.

©2019 Tom Cotton (P)2019 HarperAudio

An excellent book on the old guard

A most Excellent book. A must read to understand why the traditions are so important and Sacred

Living History

Senator Cotton has presented a living history of the darker side of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. That inevitable part that career Solders, like myself, do not talk about, though remains in the forefront of our minds every duty day. This presentation confirms the stories my both grandfathers and my father told me about the destiny of not only heros, but all that offer their life in service to the USA, like themselves.
I offer thanks to Senator Cotton for the words, and I offer my deepest respect to my Brothers-in-Arms for their service in the Old Guard and their dedication to our fallen warriors.
-SFC Charles Work, Retired

Tradition!

Chock full of incredible personal stories, historical references and tons of jaw dropping tradition that makes you want to look for a flag to salute. Loved it!

Great read, but get Kleenex!

I so enjoyed hearing about all of the workings of the Old Guard. What an honor to serve our countries heroes in this way. As an Army mom times two, i hope we never need your services. Thank you so much.

powerful and poignant. a must read!

A must read for any patriotic American left or right. An amazing documentary love letter to the Armys oldest and most visible unit. Read this and learn what they do for all Americans every day.

it is a Sacred Duty

having grown up near ANC, having my grand parent interred there, and my son serving in the Navy Ceremonial Honor Guard made this an excellent read.

Outstanding!

I'm a 23 year veteran of the Army and Air Force. I served with our squadron honor guard, which doesn't hold a candle to these soldiers, but it gave me a unique insight and appreciation for these professionals. I found the last two chapters to be very emotional which is probably not unusual among military veterans. I only know the author through media stories, so he is more than likely a greater man than they portray. I'm hopeful that with his help we can get our country back on track. I hope to meet him some day. Thanks to a great American!

Impressive story

Having only a basic understanding of The Old Guards function, this book left me deeply impressed and full of admiration for these soldiers. What an accomplishment to have earned the right to walk among their ranks.
'Sacred Duty details the formation, history since its inception and the mission associated with the many parts of this storied unit. Who would have guessed active duty soldiers are trained in shoeing horses? I wish my recruiter had told me that!
This book inspires imagination and teaches lessons of commitment and honor. We are all a part of something so much bigger than ourselves. You may not wear a uniform, maybe you don't even believe in those who do. Yet knowing there are men and woman who choose to wear one and sacrifice so much for our way of life has to make you feel proud to be an American!
I love how this book makes me feel!!

A great book’

As as a veteran I really appreciate this book. Although the sent me to Germany in1969 I am still a veteran and live my country. I am moved by the dedication the Old Guard gives to those who have died for our freedom.

Great History and well read

I very much enjoyed this audible book. It was well written and I enjoyed Sen Cotton’s first hand knowledge of the subject. I have fond memories of visiting Arlington and have always been impressed by the professionalism of the soldiers and their dedication to their mission.