Guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier

[Spikito]

This just goes to show how intense these guy are....if more Americans shared just a shred of the patriotism these guys do.

Ive been here, i was about 14....I wish I had known this information then



On Jeopardy, one of the final question was How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns? All three missed it
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance, Very fascinating.
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.' Other

requirements of the Guard: 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 {fighting} 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

E. Lewis {the boxer} and 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 assignment, it was the highest honor that can be

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

24/7, since 1930.

[The Manalishi]

I thought the questions were common knowledge. I have a friend that guarded the tomb. Great guy and the only regret I have of my service that I didn't qualify for being a guard. I'm too short, but I wouldn't ask for the rules to be changed. Those guys deserve to be guarded by someone that is the definition of a soldier. May their souls rest in peace.

[bluehawk2000]

Yea it does take alot of patience and dedication to do this, if you havent seen the army honor guard their very very good at what they do to and practice alot. I have alot of mad respect for the guys who does these jobs but im more cut out for being the guy in the shit more than anything.

[Smkn_TA]

Yeah I saw a history channel show on this, watching how meticulously their uniform was critiqued by their commanding officer, it was insane. Everything was absolutley perfect.

[tep98ws6]

[Smittro]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XiuZRb_4UU[/ame]

[SiggyZ]

That's amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[toi tyme]

wow that is incredible.. my sisters bf was a guard at the Arlington National Cemetery.....

he was not however one of these honorable guards... he is 6'3".... he was assigned to different areas.

I went here a few years ago... it leaves you absolutely speechless...

[blackSS01]

Been there multiple times. I was stationed at Ft. Meyers (spell?) after the 9/11 attacks to protect the Pentagon. It is awesome but sad at the same time.

[1MileCrash]

the last time i was in DC i had the chance to see a couple of wreath laying ceremonies and the changing of the Guard at the Tomb. amazing...absolutely amazing.

the other thing that i recalled was an off duty Tomb Guard. he was in his class B's and was standing near the end of the pad. the Guard on duty acknowledged him as the off duty Guard was standing at attention near the ropes. the Guard on duty went to the opposite end and paused there standing at attention while a third Guard also off duty opened the ropes. the first off duty Guard saluted and stepped carefully inside the ropes and marched over to this tiny barely noticeable piece of white cloth or paper that had blown onto the pad. he picked it up, did an about face, marched to the ropes, did an about face, saluted, and stepped back and left.

it is so amazing how everything has a ceremony attached to it and is so moving. truly incredible.

[Spikito]

I'll admit, watching the changing of the gaurd will bring you to tears....if not, you have issues