Arlington National Cemetery

[grief]

On Jeopardy the other night, 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.

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 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.

[Mark Ray]

Very Cool, thanks for the background on that. It is a site to watch. I visited there often when I was station at Ft. Belvoir Va.

[Agitated88]

Very Cool, thanks for the background on that. It is a site to watch. I visited there often when I was station at Ft. Belvoir Va.

I concur...probably one of the most AMAZING, PATRIOTIC things I have ever had the pleasure to witness. I have goose bumps on top of goose bumps whenever I go there.

[Capt_Rick_NC]

I have seen this before and these Americans deserver nothing but the best...they gave the ultimum sacrifice.
Please if you can help, help us with http://www.militaryappreciationday.org/phpBB3/home.php

MAD is a not for profit orginazation working to help the Hero's still with us and those who have passed if only in memory.

Like I have said, I have nothing to benefit to this but only to gain by supplying my time, boat and energy for this specific cause.

RIP my friends!

Agitated...When I go to DC and see "The Wall" I break down in tears. I am only 40 YO. My Father was in service during VN, Stateside. From what he told me about it I still hold true to heart.

Rick Gillmor

[Capt_Rick_NC]

Mark, my Father served a Fort Belvoir around '63-67. My sisters (twins) where born at that hospital.

[Agitated88]

I have seen this before and these Americans deserver nothing but the best...they gave the ultimum sacrifice.
Please if you can help, help us with http://www.militaryappreciationday.org/phpBB3/home.php
MAD is a not for profit orginazation working to help the Hero's still with us and those who have passed if only in memory.
Agitated...When I go to DC and see "The Wall" I break down in tears. I am only 40 YO. My Father was in service during VN, Stateside. From what he told me about it I still hold true to heart.

Rick Gillmor

No doubt Rick...hard not to get emotional at "The Wall". I appreciate your support of organizations like MAD...I've been lucky during my 20+ years in the Air Force...not all my brothers and sisters in arms can say the same...I salute you sir!!

[Ace1st]

Everyone should see it in person once in their life. It will move you.

[Capt_Rick_NC]

Agitated88, NO, I salute you! I thank you for all that you have done. Doesn't the Navy come in after the Army messed things up???? Send in the Marines!

I am really LOL. God Bless You.

Ace1St - I cannot go near the wall with anyone in my family. I tear as I type. It is truly a tribute to our fallen brother and sisters.

[Agitated88]

Agitated88, NO, I salute you! I thank you for all that you have done. Doesn't the Navy come in after the Army messed things up???? Send in the Marines!
I am really LOL. God Bless You.

Your welcome Rick!!!

[tunatamer4]

This was a very interesting read for those of us who did not know all of this. Can you please explain why his rifle is moved to the shoulder away from the tomb?

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.