� 2001-2006 by Shiloh
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blahSecond entry of the day...
Since I'm in a patriotic mood still, what with today being an election day and with Armed Forces Day being just this past Saturday, I thought some factoids about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier would be appropriate and interesting. (I found them here.)
Twenty-one steps. It alludes to the Twenty-one Gun Salute, which is the highest honor given to any military or foreign dignitary.
2) How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
Twenty-one seconds for the same reason as answer number one.
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 30 minutes, 24 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:
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.
For 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 U.S. Senate/House took two 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, saying, "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.
May God bless and protect our service men and women.
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