[Vision2020] Arlington Cemetery

Tue Jul 25 09:46:12 PDT 2006



>
> >>  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.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>I don't usually suggest that many emails be forwarded, but I'd be
> >>very proud if this one reached as many as possible. We can be very proud
> >>
> >>of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
> >>
> >>
> >>IN GOD WE TRUST
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>________________________________
> >>
> >>
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> >>ndraisers>
> >>
> >>
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confidential
>
> >>and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the
> >>intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure,
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> >>distribution, or use of the information contained herein (including any
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> >>Thank you. A1.
> >>
> >
>
>
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