Reply With QuoteInteresting... too bad I have a 38" waist and like booze
I got this in an email and thought it was intereting....
Unknown Soldier Guards
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.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/guardin-rain.jpg
Interesting... too bad I have a 38" waist and like booze
It is an exceptional honor to serve as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I would not have the discipline to do what they have to do.
One of the most impressive ceremonies I've ever whitnessed. Even kids stand in awe of the pomp and solemness.
I went to the cemetary and watched the soldiers at the tomb. A very sobering experience. I did not know about the lifetime commitment though after the two years of service. Must be pretty tough for these kids to understand the lifetime commitment.
More information here! (http://www.mdw.army.mil/OLDGUARD/Spe...tomb_guard.htm)
That's pretty heavy stuff. It seems like the 30" waist is a little extreme though. Who the heck's got a 30" waist???
mirvin
Originally posted by mirvin
Who the heck's got a 30" waist???
mirvin
18 year old men who run 100 miles a week.
Originally posted by OGShocker
18 year old men who run 100 miles a week.
Ok, so how about when they turn 35 and realize their wasts have ballooned to a disgusting 31 inches? Do they have to forfit thier pins? Oh well, might as well have a drink then too
mirvin
I have a 30 waist. My wife buys me 31-32's cause I think she hates it. They fall off my ass.
Humbling reading the commitment guards must make. Pretty serious. I bet there is a list of people wanting to serve.
What do the notables have to do with the Tomb Of The Unknowns? Sounds disrespectful to the Unknowns.
I have always wanted to see the Wall. Someday.
Hopefully we don't have to erect one for the war in iraq.
Brian
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