Sacred Duty

Sacred Duty follows U.S. Senator Tom Cotton's experience as a platoon leader in The Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. The book details the history, traditions, and daily responsibilities of the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and conduct military funerals. Cotton combines first-hand accounts with historical research to document the precision, discipline and honor required of those serving in the Army's oldest active-duty infantry unit. The narrative covers the unit's origins in 1784 through its modern-day operations, including behind-the-scenes glimpses of the training and ceremonies. The book explores the intersection of military service, national remembrance, and sacred tradition in American culture. Through the stories of The Old Guard's soldiers and the fallen heroes they honor, Cotton presents a meditation on duty, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of service to country.

Readers appreciate Cotton's personal experience as a former Old Guard member and the detailed historical research about Arlington National Cemetery. Many reviews highlight the behind-the-scenes accounts of the meticulous training, precise ceremonies, and daily responsibilities of the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Readers noted the book provides context about military traditions and protocols they hadn't known before. Several mentioned being moved by stories of individual soldiers and families. Some readers found portions repetitive, particularly the training descriptions. A few criticized Cotton's political commentary and felt certain sections read like campaign material. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.31/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) Sample review quotes: "Informative look into a sacred duty most Americans know little about" - Goodreads "Too much focus on the author's background and politics" - Amazon "Made me appreciate the dedication required for this honored position" - Barnes & Noble

Arlington: The Story of Our Nation's Cemetery by Robert M. Poole A detailed chronicle of Arlington National Cemetery's history, traditions, and the soldiers who perform ceremonial duties there.

Final Salute by Jim Sheeler The book follows military casualty notification officers who deliver death notices to military families and documents the impact of their sacred mission.

No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy by Jim Proser The account examines military service, honor, and duty through the career of Marine General James Mattis and the traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Where Valor Rests by Rick Atkinson A documentation of the ceremonies, rituals, and daily operations that take place at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Unknowns by Patrick K. O'Donnell The narrative follows the selection and burial of the World War I Unknown Soldier and the eight veterans chosen as Body Bearers for the ceremony.

🎖️ Arlington National Cemetery's iconic Tomb Guards take exactly 21 steps during their walk across the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, alluding to the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor. ⚔️ Author Tom Cotton served as a platoon leader with the Old Guard at Arlington while on active duty, making him one of the few members of Congress with firsthand experience of the regiment's sacred duties. 🎯 The Old Guard's marching manual is so precise that it specifies movements down to the inch, including the exact height at which rifles should be held during ceremonies. ⚡ During extreme weather, including hurricanes and severe storms, the Tomb Guards continue their watch without interruption, maintaining their vigil 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 🎭 The ceremonial uniform buttons worn by The Old Guard are stamped with the regiment's founding date of 1784, making it the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army.