Guarding the Tomb

[outerlimits]

Facts about the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.

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.

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

Why are his gloves wet?

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

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.

How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

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

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

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 service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

[SiG Lady]

It's almost like entering the priesthood or a convent.

[Dranoel]

I admire their dedication.

[Graham Smith]

I was transferred to the Washington Region in 1987 and stayed at Ft. Myer when I first got there. This is the base for the majority of the ceremonial units that makeup the Old Guard, including the Tomb Guards. These are some dedicated troops and they eat, sleep, and breath ceremony.

Ft Myer actually connects to Arlington Cemetery, and it made for a nice weekend walk to go from the barracks area, through the Cemetery, past the Tomb, and on down to the street where you could pick up a shuttle to the mall. If you visit Washington, do yourself a favor and spend an afternoon wandering around Arlington Cemetery. It's a truly amazing place.

Edited November 12, 2014 by Graham Smith

[Butterpuc]

It is a very inspiring experience, it will bring some people to tears to watch the perfect honor displayed. I highly recommend watching it if you have an opportunity.

[shred]

It is extremely cool, however there is information at the Tomb museum that a few of the above "facts" are not actually true (the alcohol one I remember for sure). The Tomb Guard badge can be taken away at any time for conduct unbecoming however.

http://www.snopes.com/military/unknown.asp

[whitedog]

Regrettably some of these "facts" are false. Their dedication is amazing....but I've had a beer with 2 former guards personally. Good bless them for what they volunteer to do.