By Robin Itzler
Editor's Note: This is one of the commentaries selected from Robin's weekly newsletter Patriot Neighbors. Any cartoons will have been added by me. If you wish to get the full edition, E-mail her at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com to get on her list, it's free.
We all know about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Although “soldier” is singular, the main monument (the sarcophagus) is one tomb that has three crypts containing the remains of unidentified soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Some of us have visited and watched the soldier (male or female) walking back and forth with perfect precision. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been continuously guarded since 1937. The Tomb Guards have been there during all kinds of weather but there are contingencies in case the weather could put the soldier at risk. Here are some interesting facts about the Tomb Guards:
* The guard walking across the tomb takes 21 exact steps, alluding to the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
* After the guard’s about face, he waits 21 seconds (for the same reason) before walking back.
* If you look closely, you will notice his white gloves are moistened. This is to prevent him or her from losing grip on the rifle.
* The rifle is carried on the shoulder away from the tomb.
* The shoes are specially designed with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. They also have metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe to make the loud click sound as they come to the 21st step and prepare to halt.
* To apply for guard duty, the person must be between 5’10” and 6’2” tall with a waist size that cannot exceed 30 inches.
* Guards walk for 30 minutes. There is a guard change every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is always protected.
* Of the 24-month commitment, the guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch television during the first six months of duty. They must spend the time studying the 175 notable people who are laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
* A guard spends five hours a day preparing his uniform for guard duty. They dress in front of a full-length mirror. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.
While guarding the Tomb is a two-year commitment where they live in barracks under the Tomb, they also commit to never drink alcohol or swear in public on or off duty for the rest of their lives. This is so they never disgrace the uniform or the Tomb in any way.
Guards serve for two years and then receive a wreath pin that they can wear on their lapel. If they are found to have disgraced the Tomb guard uniform (drinking, swearing or other unacceptable behavior), they must return the wreath pin.
Read Do You Really Value Your Independence? Well, Do You? by W.H. Lamb.
* After the guard’s about face, he waits 21 seconds (for the same reason) before walking back.
* If you look closely, you will notice his white gloves are moistened. This is to prevent him or her from losing grip on the rifle.
* The rifle is carried on the shoulder away from the tomb.
* The shoes are specially designed with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. They also have metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe to make the loud click sound as they come to the 21st step and prepare to halt.
* To apply for guard duty, the person must be between 5’10” and 6’2” tall with a waist size that cannot exceed 30 inches.
* Guards walk for 30 minutes. There is a guard change every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is always protected.
* Of the 24-month commitment, the guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch television during the first six months of duty. They must spend the time studying the 175 notable people who are laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
* A guard spends five hours a day preparing his uniform for guard duty. They dress in front of a full-length mirror. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.
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