Tomb of the Unknown Solider
A Tribute to the Fallen
Tomb of the Unknown Solider
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.
Tomb of the Unknown Solider
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
Tomb of the Unknown Solider
3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
Tomb of the Unknown Solider
4. How long does the Sentinel hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not? He does not execute an about face. He stops on the 21st step, then turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds. Then he turns to face back down the mat, changes his weapon to the outside shoulder, counts 21 seconds, then steps off for another 21 step walk down the mat. He faces the Tomb at each end of the 21 step walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until he is relieved at the Guard Change.
Tomb of the Unknown Solider
5. How often are the guards changed? The Guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (April 1 to Sep 30) and every hour during the winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31). During the hours the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every 2 hours. The Tomb is guarded, and has been guarded, every minute of every day since 1937.
Tomb of the Unknown Solider
The Sentinels Creed My dedication to this sacred duty is total and whole-hearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.
Tomb of the Unknown Solider
There is an email that circulates from time to time about the Tomb’s Honor Guard. It is “a mixture of fact and fiction, according to the of the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Some of the claims are patently absurd, such as the allegation that guards are forbidden to swear or drink alcohol, on or off duty, for the rest of their lives.” (http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_tomb_unknown_soldier.htm). I have taken those out of this tribute.
For more information and FAQ’s about the Tomb, please visit the website of the
Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
http://www.tombguard.org/site.html http://www.tombguard.org/site.html