December 2, 2010 10:37 PM PST
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 L. Murphy, the most
decorated soldier of WWII and 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 assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
December 2, 2010 11:39 PM PST
Amazing! God bless anyone this unselfish!
December 2, 2010 11:45 PM PST
GOD BLESS AMERICA... AND ALL OF OUR TRUE HEROE'S
December 3, 2010 12:02 AM PST
Thanks for the post Badirish......that was very insterested info. Some of it I had heard before, but not all of it.
December 3, 2010 3:45 AM PST
I am aware of that. That is one of my trips in the works for the wife and I this coming spring/summer. We don't live that far away and I'm gonna go up and visit the wall (very personal reasons), the Tomb, and the Smithstonian. Can't believe I haven't done it already!
December 3, 2010 9:12 AM PST
December 3, 2010 9:37 AM PST
Very Interesting guys, Thank you.
December 4, 2010 12:30 AM PST
It is Very impressive and inspiring!
December 4, 2010 2:46 AM PST
The
Society of the Honor Guard, this is the web page for the guards who have served as sentinels for the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
February 17, 2011 1:05 AM PST
One of our best trips! Very moving to see in person
February 17, 2011 4:17 AM PST
Excellemt post!! Thank you for sharing this,gave me chills..was just thinking about those we left back there, in some far eastern jungle or some foreign land with no name..who sacrificed their all..its a fitting tribute
February 17, 2011 12:57 PM PST
This is definitely something I want to see in person and thanks for sharing all the interesting facts and requirements for the post. 30inch waist wow not even when i was an 18 yr old airman in the USAF.
