Sacred Duty: A Soldier's Tour at Arlington National Cemetery – A New York Times Bestselling Tribute to Honor and Sacrifice

by Tom Cotton

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Biography, War, American History, Audiobook

301 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2019

About the author

Thomas Bryant Cotton is an American politician, attorney, and former military officer serving as the junior United States senator for Arkansas since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015.

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library]

“There has never been a good book about the Old Guard, a rich and long story going back to 1784, three years before the constitution was written. I want to tell the story of the young soldiers of the Old Guard who have defended our country on the front lines and have performed that sacred duty in Arlington to honor our fallen heroes.” – U.S. Senator, Tom Cotton.

"Sacred Duty: A Soldier's Tour at Arlington National Cemetery." is an extremely well written book by U.S. Senator Tom Cotton who served with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Arlington National Cemetery between his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The author traces the incredibly august history of the U.S. Army’s oldest active-duty infantry unit that has served the nation since 1784. The regiment's mission is to conduct memorial affairs to honor fallen comrades and ceremonies and special events to represent the U.S. Army as well as communicating its story to United States citizens and the world. The Old Guard is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in times of national emergencies or civil disturbances.
Whether the soldiers of the Old Guard are conducting a state funeral for a U.S. President or a dignified transfer of our fallen warriors, they do it with the utmost pride, precision and professionalism. Theirs is a no-fail, zero defect mission each and every time!
I find it interesting that the author provides so much detailed information on the preparation of uniforms, military procedures, and the training of these extraordinary soldiers. As such, this book is highly recommended to anyone who is interested in U.S. military history and military discipline.
The author also provides more insights about his book when he spoke at the 2019 Miami Book Fair on 11/23/2019. https://www.c-span.org/video/?466155-... – Leslie G.

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfectly titled.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I am a girl who will stop wherever she is to put her hand over her heart when she hears the National Anthem and rarely do I have a dry eye by the time the final notes conclude. The daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I was raised with a deep sense of patriotism and abundant respect for those who serve my country. I also went to Arlington as part of my seventh grade trip to Washington DC, and it is up there on my bucket list to visit those locations as an adult with a much better comprehension now of exactly what I saw at the time. To say that I was bound to be moved by the content of this book is an understatement.

Words like 'moving' and 'compelling' come to mind when attempting to compose this review, but somehow fall short. There were times what I was reading made me tear up, other times it gave me goosebumps. I am not accustomed to nonfiction garnering such emotional responses from me. If I was awed by The Old Guard already, suffice to say admiration has grown exponentially over the course of this book. These men and women are remarkable.

In addition to detailed explanations of the training, rituals, ceremonies, and responsibilities, there are also some good reviews of U.S. historical events as related to The Old Guard. The history slowed things down a bit from the focus on the missions The Old Guard performs now, but it was still interesting, if a tad dry; it's well worth pushing through that part to get the rest of the book. It could have stood to be edited a bit more stringently, purely from the standpoint of repetition of specific details that were stated multiple times, but there is no way I am holding that against the overall content.

One more quick remark as I close: Regardless of your position on the author, don't let that be a determining factor in picking up this book if the subject matter is of interest to you. There is zero politics to be found within its pages. It just does not apply to what happens at Arlington, and Senator Cotton takes great care to leave all political overtones at the door. This is a book that opens a window into the backstage, giving a long look at moments civilians will never otherwise see, and revealing the emotion that runs below the stoic surface of these well-trained, superiorly disciplined individuals.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give this a 5. I've just purchased it and sent it directly to a Battle Buddy who is now a Career Counselor in the Army. What a thorough, thoughtful, epic accounting of the history and daily activities of the 3rd U.S. Army Infantry Regiment.

I will never be able to walk through Arlington without a heart full of gratitude and esteem for The Old Guard. Cotton has done his comrades proud by capturing their devotion and dedication to America's service men and women.

Really, really good.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have tremendous respect for the Old Guard and what they do and for Tom Cotton and his service, but the editor of this book should consider another career.

The repetition of the “ buff strap” story and the “ fixed bayonet” story and how the uniforms are maintained made this book tedious in some sections.

Once is enough, twice would be acceptable but repeating stuff over and over and over again is just ridiculous

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a history lover, this was an inspirational and heart-warming read as well as informative. I don’t come from a military family. With the exception of my father who served in the Texas National Guard before I was born, I can think of only a couple of family members that served in the military. But I am a part of a dedicatedly patriotic family. How Arlington became our National military cemetery was of particular interest to me. I knew that the land belonged to General Robert E. Lee—was his farm. When Lee left his West Point commission to lead the Confederate army, the Union army moved into his house and occupied the surrounding land. Remember many of the early Civil War battles took place around the Washington D.C. area. As the war continued, the military leaders were determined that Lee would never have his land again; so they began burying soldiers killed in the war. After the war, the cemetery was established as a National Cemetery, and eventually, the Lee family was paid for the land they lost.
The other most interesting part to me was the history and current observance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Since I will never be able to visit there and see the ceremony, I enjoyed it via YouTube. I am very proud and moved by how THE OLD GUARD, as “America’s oldest active-duty regiment, dating back to 1784,” takes their stewardship of showing honor to the country’s fallen.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book: very thorough and highly detailed on all aspects of the Old Guard’s organization, operations, and environment. It highlights the sincere dedication and deep pride felt by each of its soldiers and their families. This is genuine and life altering, as the author who served with the Old Guard, knows personally. Senator Cotton clearly emphasizes the sense of history and honor felt by the soldiers towards those who have served, those who are laid to rest at Arlington and those who mourn them. There are no lengths too great to ensure proper honors are rendered and unit traditions upheld.

For those interested in organizational behavior and performance, the Old Guard is a perfect example of a high performing, world class, professional organization. Every activity from recruitment/ selection to orientation to integration to testing to execution is focused upon sustaining excellence in a no mistakes once-in-a-lifetime experience. High standards, introduced from the beginning, by highly qualified and experienced unit members – regardless of rank – set expectations in the minds of new members. Teamwork is inculcated immediately as these experts all work to help the new members succeed at training, inspections, and qualification tests. All of these elements ensure not only today’s success but continued success.

Full disclosure: I was one of those officials who passed through the background working with the Old Guard from 2000-2002. I observed their excellence in numerous ceremonies, special events, high visibility funerals (concluding with one for a classmate where I was the escort), and at my own retirement parade. I also watched their performance during the weeks after 9/11 since I worked with several of those key leaders named.

[Jim Mackell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Senator Cotton is a former member of "The Old Guard", which among its other duties provides the guard and watch at Arlington. This book attempts to explain and capture all of the duties of every single unit of TOG. While the book is very interesting, it's simultaneous fairly dull. Way too much detail about the nits that go to make up the whole. Just my opinion!

[Vulco1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad but not good either. Very repetitive and I'm not sure I agree with how it was put together.

This would make a great 50-100 book/essay. But not a good 320 page book.

But I'm glad to have read it if for no other reason than to know more about our servicemen and this way of brining them honor and bringing them home.

[Peter Schmeltzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate and respect the service this book describes, it seemed tiring and was hard to stay interested. This is coming from someone who reads a 600 page history book about a single day.

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eight and a half hour unabridged audiobook.

I had always thought of the Old Guard as a ceremonial unit, I supposed that it has a long history and accomplishments in past conflicts, but I didn't know what they were. That's fixed now. A nicely written book giving a through unit history.

Of course the meat and potatoes of the book is the ceremonial functions and all that goes into training and performing at important functions such as funerals, the Tomb of the Unknown guards, etc.

It wasn't until I started listening to the book that I found out that Senator Cotton used to be a member of the Old Guard himself. Which explains how detailed it is, as well as his access to other sources. I really enjoyed it, good read.

[Brian Shivley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting information about the Old Guard, but tedious to read in some parts. The first third of the book about put me to sleep. Then it started getting to the interesting information.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of amazing people who sacrifice daily for the dignity and honor of this country’s war dead and veterans. The Old Guard has such a storied history that ties it to America and makes me proud to be an American and a veteran. A very in depth and interesting book that sheds light on the complex processes, ceremonies, and activities that these soldiers perform and perfect to honor our military and country.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this highly patriotic book about some of the most dedicated soldiers to have ever lived.

The author, Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas, was actually a member of the Old Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown. He expresses sentiments both in his own personal terms, and in a well written history of the Old Guard.

These soldiers who honor the dead at Arlington Cemetery live a life of patriotism, unlike anything I ever saw in my 24 years of USAF service.

There is no other grade possible for this book but five stars!

I highly recommend in every way.

[Don LeClair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had the priviledge of seeing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns twice. I vaguely knew that it was a special organization within the Army that did this but not much more.

Tom Cotton's book does an excellent job of providing the history and responsibilities of this unit, The Old Guard. The fact that he personally served in is important to the book. Cotton treasures the mission of this unit to provide "zero defect" services for the deceased members themselves and their families, and that respect permeates the stories.

It is oddly amusing that The Old Guard was created before the Constitution was ratified, and is the oldest part of the US Military, but it is part of the Third Army.

There were times when the constant focus on perfection and "zero defects" gets repetitious, but it does underscore the amazing drive of the members of this unit to serve at an amazingly high level. This was a very good read!

[Miles Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good memoir; Cotton is apolitical, informative, and warm in his tone and I learned a lot about the Old Guard.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know anything about this it was interesting. To learn the about Arlington or abuut the people. How they were I bet Tom cotton gets much good news about his sacred duty

[Jeff Steinlage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent behind the scenes of The Old Guard!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful testament to our fallen heroes.

[Mary T. Jette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This book is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices our military makes daily. The chapter about the Tomb Guards is especially touching.

[Robert J. Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read... Have a great perspective of Arlington and the people who are serving and have served there. <><

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does it mean to serve in the Old Guard? These are the soldiers that represent the face of the US Military to the World. Big stages, small stages, Super Bowls, Heads of State, Burying the Fallen at Arlington, Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown, and bearing witness to history along the way. All of these missions, translate into behind the scenes detail supremacy, uniform perfection, and physical discipline. This book tells that story.

Senator Tom Cotton, served in the Old Guard after a tour in Afghanistan. He has written a book that goes behind the scenes of a service in pursuit of perfection. I found the Unit History incredibly insightful, the incredible and volatile history of Arlington Cemetery and it's political intrigue. The message that the pursuit of perfection is a mark that most Americans will only see them once, a funeral, an event...and they must be perfect, because that is what they will remember. The honor, is the pursuit. Imagine the internment at Arlington, and a soldier were to fallout, that is what you would remember...on this stage, honor, remembrance, and respect are emboldened by careful demanding training.

There are many lines that capture the essence of this book, but I will relay a quote that closes out the text with a moment standing alongside a foreign military leader, "I was explaining what The Old Guard does and he was looking out the window at all those headstones. After a long pause, still looking at the headstones, he said, 'Now I know why your soldiers fight so hard. You take better care of your dead than we do our living' "

This what the Old Guard represents. I'm glad this book was written.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were details that I knew about the Old Guard; but there were many that I didn’t know. I like military history, so the first half of the book was for the most part enjoyable. The entire process of what happens to a soldier killed in action was especially important to me. The honor shown is incredible.
The second half of the book deals with every action, event, & service that each & every group within the Old Guard performs. Some of this was new to me & the deeper info in the Tomb platoon was very interesting. But, much of the book leaned towards the dull side.

[Theresa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son was a Sentinel at The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier so I’ve always been interested in The Old Guard. I have visited ANC several times and my son, even though his 21 years of service are over, still lives in an area not too far from the cemetery. Arlington is a place I never get tired of visiting.
If you have any interest in what or who The Old Guard is, or what their responsibilities are, I recommend reading Tom Cotton’s book. It’s all there, from the beginning to present times. Their dedication is on full display in Sacred Duty.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. I learned a lot, Even being in the US Army. I really did not the history of Arlington National Cemetery, or the Old Guard. This was very educational and what a great back ground of information from an Old Guard soldier. I highly recommend this . It is an honor and a privilege to serve in the Honor Guard.

[Julie Pint · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful history of the elite unit that cares for our heroes. It’s a personal experience yet one for all ages. There are many lessons to be learned from these men and women. Honor. Respect. Duty.

[J. Scott Frampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, an informative book about a unit that remains in the open, but still has an air of mystery. Not a fan of Senator Cotton’s politics, but this book is excellent and informative. I enjoyed it and will recommend it at every opportunity! What a great American story, this Unit provides.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice informative book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good review of the units that honor our military that gave their last full measure of devotion to our country.

[Alex Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Soldiers never die until they are forgotten. Tomb Guards never forget.”