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.

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve. JohnnyM

"These facts have been taken but not challenged" If there are any facts to add or dismiss from this story please post, thanks and may God Bless Our Troops!!!

[redwitch]

A couple of additional facts:

There are three "reliefs" for the tomb. They are based on height.

1st relief - 6'2" to 6'4" (yes, 6'4", so the height requirement on your facts is incorrect, sory)
2d relief - 6'0" to 6'2"
3d relief - 5'10" to 6'0"

Those in the know can tell which relief is on duty simply by looking at the height. There are 9 soldiers per relief. Each relief is headed an E-6.

There are many things that have to be memorized. Two that the guards consider most important are The Vigil and, of course, The Sentinel's Creed:

The Vigil

In measured steps he makes in rounds.
The click of heels the only sounds.
He stands erect so straight and tall,
With pride and dedication responds to the call.
With deep affection his vigil keeps,
Over those who forever sleep.
He responds not to the visitors stare,
Maintaining his vigil as if in silent prayer.

In the morning's twilight hours,
His watch becomes like cathedral towers.
Reaching from earth to heaven above,
A lasting tribute to one man's love.
As time and seasons come and go,
His vigil remains for all to know.
That beneath the sacred Arlington sod,
Lies three buddies KNOWN BUT TO GOD.

(Dedicated to my cousin, SSG John Gallagher, US Army Special Forces, killed in action January 5, 1968, Republic of Vietnam, and to the men who guard the Tombs of the Unknowns.) J.R.

The Sentinel's Creed

My dedication to this sacred duty
is total and whole-hearted.
In the responsibility bestowed on me
never will I falter.
And with dignity and perseverance
my standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise
and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence
to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect,
his bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day,
alone in the thoughtful peace of night,
this soldier will in honored glory rest
under my eternal vigilance.

(Whenever a guard salutes an officer, they shout, "LINE SIX, SIR!"

The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is the second-least issued badge by the military. The Astronaut Badge is the least. I know that the 500th Badge was issued in 2002. Not sure what the number is now. (The Badge is earned by passing a test. It is not just issued to those who are Sentinels.)

Having known one of the Sentinels personally, I can safely say that they are in fact allowed to drink and swear when not on duty. They are soldiers, not monks -- they can in fact speak to whomever they please when not on duty. However, their first six months as Sentinels are required to be lived in barracks. They can pretty much do what they please when off-duty. However, finding the time to do much of anything is pretty limited.

What is true is that the Tomb Guard Identification Badge is the only military badge issued by the U.S. Army that can be revoked. The Regimental Commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment has the authority to revoke a Badge from any Guard (past or present) for any act that would bring discredit upon the Tomb of the Unknowns. No Sentinel acts without thinking of this fact. They wear their badge and wreath with pride for all of their lives. As of, 9 badges had been revoked since the first one was issued in the late 50s.

One thing I learned as a little girl that I always found fascinating was that the Sentinels never wore any rank insignia. It was explained to me that this was so no solder guarding the Unknowns woud ever outrank those buried there. This, to me, is one of the most romantic things I have ever heard.

[Peggy D]

Very impressive Johnny. Visited Arlington many years ago when ther was only one at
The Tomb Of The Unknown. I think it was at that point that I came to respect the symbolism associated with the military.

[scottke]

I am very impressed with what has been posted and wasn't aware of all of the tradition. I'm very proud of our troops who defend our freedom and very proud of my husband who fought in Vietnam. To all current and former military personnel, thank you.

[Donna]

Great post, Johnny.......God Bless America and our troops...
~Semper Fi~

[Peggy D]

Thank you too Red. Grandson went to a military high school and was in CAP Horor Guard.
Will pass this on to him. He will appreciate it.

[SteveZ]

Working in the DC area these last 4 years has blessed me with the opportunity to visit Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb several times, in all sorts of weather and times. It never gets mundane, and each visit is special unto itself. Rainy day visits result in a feeling that is indescribable.

[Cajungirl]

Quite an honor to watch these young people doing such an honorable job. Took our three young grandsons to spend week in Washington, DC via Amtrak and were honored to be at the tomb on Memorial Day this year when President Bush laid the wreath at the tomb. He was approximately 10 feet in front of us. We waited in line at 7:30 A.M. until to be in front of the line to get the best spot. SO.ooh.ooooh many people trying for the premiere viewing spots, so our little grandsons realized why Grandma insisted they acquire the patience needed to experience such an event. They were able to see the President in person taking part in a tradition that was quite moving and spiritual.

Cajungirl, good for you guy's. Your grand children must be very proud of you both for taking the time to bring them to such a special place at their age. I am sure they will remember that morning and day and week the rest of their blessed lives. :bigthumbsup:

Thank you RW for the edification.

[redwitch]

Johnny, the thanks goes to you for remembering the Sentinels. They truly are an elite group that work incredibly hard and do it with great pride and consider it a true honor. To me, they are truly one of the military elite although many have never seen combat and probably won't. Goooooo ARMY!!!