Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

[TestRip7]

TweetI found these were pretty interesting, just thought I'd share.


>-------On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was How many steps
> > >does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns ------
> > >All three missed it ---
> > >
> > >This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance
> > >Very
> > >fascinating.
> > >
> > >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.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >God Bless and keep them.
> > >

[T-Man007]

TweetThat's awesome, not for me, but it's still awesome!

[Testify]

TweetYeah, I'd never do that. But I think it is a great tribute these men make to our fallen heroes.

[Fit2bLarge]

Tweetbrings tears to my eyes. Semper Fi

[basskiller]

Tweet

brings tears to my eyes. Semper Fi

same here

[oddball]

Tweet

brings tears to my eyes. Semper Fi

same here bro......thats why i love this country.

[angryoldman]

TweetI actually witnessed them marching in front of the tomb on a trip to DC a few years back. It's a very moving experience.

[daved150]

TweetWOW...THAT'S PRETTY STRONG...I GOT ALOT OF RESPECT FOR THOSE GAURDS...

[TestRip7]

Tweet

I actually witnessed them marching in front of the tomb on a trip to DC a few years back. It's a very moving experience.

Yes it is, I think its something that everyone should see.

[mr.nitro]

Tweetwow, I never knew any of that. thats dedication right there.

[Merc]

TweetI really dont know why they would spend 5 hours on their uniform. I used to be on color guard and we just always had a uniform that was specifically for that of course they are Jarheads LOL... but that is some interesting stuff its amazing that they memorize all of that, got to respect those guys for sure!!