tomb of The Unknown Soldier Facts & Information

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. 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.

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