“The unbelievable routines of military reverence”

The guard of the tomb takes 21 steps in each direction before the tomb, which alludes to a 21 gun salute, the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. He hesitates 21 seconds before executing an about face for the same reason. His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on his rifle.

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. The guard changes every thirty minutes, around the clock.

                       “The committment of a guard”

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.”  He must commit two years of life to this assignment, and live in a barracks under the tomb. He must not drink alcohol on or off duty, and this extends to the rest of his life. He cannot swear in public for the rest of his life, nor disgrace the fighting uniform or the tomb in any way.  After two years of duty, he is given a wreath pin that is  worn on the lapel. There are presently only 400 worn pins.

His shoes are specially made of very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from his feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make a loud click as they come to a halt.  There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. He dresses for duty before a full length mirror.  He spends five hours a day getting his uniform ready for duty.

For the first six months of duty he cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV.  all off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetary. He must memorize who they are and where they are interred.  Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis--the boxer, and Audie Murphy--the most decorated soldier of W.W. II. 

 “How strongly a guard on the tomb feels his commitment”

In 2003, as hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington D.C., our US Senate and House recessed for two days.  The guards were offered the same opportunity. They resectfully decline the offer, “No way, Sir!” They guarded throughout the hurricane, soaked to the skin.  They said the tomb was not just another assignment.  It was the highest honor that can be afforded a soldier.  It has been patrolled continuously 24/7 since 1930.

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