Tomb Of The Unknown Soldiers

[slayer77]

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 

 

 

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

 

 

 

21 steps : It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is

the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

 

 

 

 

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

 

 

 

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

 

 

 

 

3. Why are his gloves wet?

 

 

 

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

 

 

 

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time

and , if not, why not?

 

 

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

 

 

 

5. How often are the guards changed?

 

 

Guards are changed every thirty minutes,

twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

 

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

 

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be

between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.

 

They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the

rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.

 

After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on

their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only

400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their

lives or give up the wreath pin.

 

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.

 

There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.. Guards dress for duty

in front of a full-length mirror.

 

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor

watch TV All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid

to rest in Arlington National Cemetery . A guard must memorize who they are

and where they are interred. Among the notables are:

 

President Taft,

Joe Lewis {the boxer}

Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, the most

decorated soldier of WWII of Hollywood fame.

 

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for

guard duty.

 

 

 

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

 

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC , our

US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC

evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the

hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of

the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They

respectfully declined the offer, 'No way, Sir!' Soaked to the skin,

marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding

the Tomb was not just an as signment, it was the highest honor that can be

afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,

24/7, since 1930.

 

 

 

 

 

Def makes you proud to be american

[Stitches040]

I've seen the Tomb Of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery.

 

It is truly an Aw-Inspiring sight. It really makes you proud to your Bones.

 

 

Have you ever seen the Smithsonian Special regarding the Caissons Detail at Arlington Cemetery? Really cool.

 

Link 1

 

Link 2

 

[Blue2003SS]

I have been to Arlington Cemetery and visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier back in July of 1984. To say it is impressive would be an understatement.

[Black2003SS]

Great fact find. I've been to DC dozens of times. It certainly is a moving Ceremony. I was honored to be a guest at the annual Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington in 1997 or 1998, guest of the Clintons. Family had breakfast with the Clintons and others (about 200-250 guests probably in total) at the White House, then proceeded over to Arlington for the ceremony. An event I will never forget. Sat next to an Admiral of the Navy. Met Bob Dole also. I still have the picture of Bill Clinton shaking my hand at the breakfast and family picture taken with the Clintons. And yes, they had egg and cheese muffins, of higher quality than McDonalds of course though. Found that comical.

 

Washington DC is a must do trip at least once for everyone.

Edited February 18, 2010 by Black2003SS (see edit history)

[f1ss]

I did not know all those facts, very interesting and does make you proud to be American. I saw the change of guard on a field trip to DC when I was in 9th, if anyone said a word, they were kicked out of the changing of the guard.

One smarta$$ from a different school laughed and he was grabbed and taken out, all I saw was the back of his shirt and him being escorted out.