How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns?

Did you ever wonder how many steps the guard takes during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns?

This is probably better posted on Memorial Day or Veteran's Day, but this is a very patriotic week in the US, and at Arlington, you are in the throes of patriotism.

I hope you’ve had the chance to walk through Arlington National Cemetery –
 the entire site is overwhelming.

I was so fortunate to work with a man in my corporate life who was a retired master sergeant from the army – one of his postings included overseeing the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (as it was known then) and I learned a lot from Pete. He helped me understand some of these impressive stats.

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns and why?

He takes 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


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 buried at Arlington:

• U.S. President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
• U.S. President William Howard Taft
• Audie Murphy: The most decorated and honored American combat soldier from WW II.
• U.S. Supreme Court justices Harry Blackmun, Thurgood Marshall, William O. Douglas and Potter Stewart
• Robert F. Kennedy: Former U.S. Attorney General and United States Senator from New York
• Ruth G. Bradley: A U.S. Army colonel and one of the most distinguished military women in history, with 34 medals.
• Abner Doubleday: A Civil War general who is considered the man behind the game of baseball .
• Glenn Miller: A U.S. Army major and the famous band leader.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

Engraved on the monument:

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

Interesting Note:

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 Unknowns 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.

More info about Arlington National Cemetery:

http://www.washingtondc-go.com/attractions/arlington-national-cemetery-facts.html

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/The-Battle-of-Arlington.html

Question for you: Have you been there and what was your reaction?