Rolk Loc: South Central PA

Some interesting facts about the dedicated men that guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. First off, there were four "unknown" soldiers buried there; one from WWI, one from WWII, one from the Korean War, and one from the Vietnam War. However, the "unknown" soldier from the Vietnam War was later identified through DNA and his remains were returned to his family.

Each soldier spends half an hour guarding the tomb, and when not guarding the tomb, they spend six hours a day preparing their uniform. The guard must be between 5'10" to 6'2" tall and his waist can not exceed 30". They must commit to two years of service and can not drink any alcohol, on or off duty, for the rest of their lives. They can not swear in public for the rest of their lives or disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. All off duty time is spend studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington Nation Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. The guards also live in the barracks under the tomb, and during the first six months of duty, a guard can not talk to anyone and can not watch TV.

The tomb has been patrolled continuously 24/7, 365 days a year since 1930. Even during Hurricane Isabelle in 2003, when the guards were given special permission to suspend the assignment, they declined, stating "No way, Sir!"

During the patrol, the guard takes 21 steps across a mat, makes an about-face, changes the position of his rifle to the shoulder facing away from the tomb, waits 21 seconds, and then returns to his original position taking 21 steps. He will repeat this until the changing of the guard, which happens every half hour during the summer, every hour during the winter, and every two hours when the cemetery is closed.

I hope these humble pictures bring respect and honor to all those that have served our country.
Tim

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

Oldman73

The soldiers who guard the Tomb are an honorable group, but some of the statements about drinking and other things are an urban legend. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/honor-guard/

I admire their dedication and have been there and watched them many times. They have exhibited perfection each time.

Transbuff1985 Loc: east central Iowa

Tim very nice series here - These shots means a lot to me as with anyone who has served. Would love to see this just once but never will.
Thanks so much for sharing these photos - I will put them in a SPECIAL folder along with some shots Bob I 41 sent me of the Viet-Nam Wall and will cherish forever. Your last sentence does even more than you state or realize.

Laceyj

I admire their dedication..Second to none

Rolk Loc: South Central PA

Thanks, Bob. Oldman pointed out that some of the facts I quoted
are not accurate, and I'm sure he's probably right on some of them,
but the fact that is accurate is that these guards are extremely
dedicated to their duties. And while it may not be true they can't
drink alcohol when they're not on duty, it IS true the "Pin" they
receive for their dedication can be removed at any time....even
after their service is over.
Tim

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent shots.

blue-ultra Loc: New Hampshire

I have been there several times and each and every time I shed a tear for those whom the guards protect. BTW if you are there just behind the tomb there is another tomb that has the remains of hundreds if not thousands of Civil War casualties. It is behind some bushes and I wil look for a photograph I took of it several years ago. That will give you goose bumps for those who lost their lives in our war to save the union...

Oldman73

found this about the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns at Arlington, it contains the remains of 2111 Soldiers, Known Only to GOD.. May they Rest In Peace
https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Monuments-and-Memorials/Civil-War-Unknowns

Rolk Loc: South Central PA

Thanks so much, Angler.

Rolk Loc: South Central PA

Thanks so much, Oldman, for sharing this wonderful link.

I had read that the remains of soldiers from the Civil War
were buried very close to Gen. Robert E. Lee's estate because
they knew no one would want to live there...

...all in all, a sobering reminder of the sacrifices so many have
made so we can enjoy the lives we do today.

Thank you all who have served!
Tim

PhotoNat Loc: Santa Maria, CA

Thanks so much for sharing the photos and information. I was fortunate for the opportunity to see this on an FFA trip in high school,(did not get as many of the wonderful photos you show here) when I did not realize the dedication these gentleman have for their job. It was one of several tours we were blessed to be part of. Washington DC is special to me, as my parents met there while in the armed forces during World War 2. My mom was from Kansas, my dad from California.
PhotoNat

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Very impressive photos of a very solemn procedure that pays tribute to our countries heroes!

kcimato

Last summer while digging for utility lines, they found the remains of two Civil War soldiers on Manassas Battlefield. They had a transfer of remains at the site to Arlington Cemetery. Two months later they were buried in the new expanded section of the cemetery.

Dannj

I’ve been there several times and have always been impressed by the ceremony and the dedication of the men who take part. Regardless of the errors in the original post these soldiers deserve our admiration and respect. Touring the cemetery is sobering.

Rolk Loc: South Central PA

You are very welcome, PhotoNat. I'm so glad you enjoyed them
and that they brought back some wonderful memories for you.
Tim