Dedication of guards

Chuck Newman recently shared the following information on the military members who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Upon reading the facts, you can't help but realize how truly dedicated these guards are:

On "Jeopardy" recently, the final question was, "How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns?" All three missed it. The answer was 21 steps; it alludes to the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. The guard also hesitates for 21 seconds after his about face to begin his return walk for the same reason.

The guard moistens his gloves to prevent his losing his grip on the 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 guards are changed every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30 inches. They must commit two 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. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on the lapel signifying the person served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 currently worn.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from the guard's feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as the guard comes 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, not watch TV.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, D.C., our U.S. Senate and House took two 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, saying, "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.