Guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns

Nice shot

I was there July, 2005......That was the same soldier I seen and let me tell you, it was hot and humid than a mother at 8am everyday I was there. I was dripping sweat just sitting; the soldiers are tuff as nails to do what they do.

Excellent shot, love the blurred background, very nice. I attended a funeral of a career Marine a couple of weeks ago and he had a full honor guard. Absolutely amazing, not a dry eye in the place. These guys are hard-core serious!

Loved that M14 too. Wish I had one today. It was heavy but it hit hard down range - way down range. I think it was the last one that used real wood in the stock...

Okay CyberDyneSystems you're starting to scare us...

Nice shot.

It's just starting now? I must be slipping... I'm waaaay behind

Tomb of 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.

Wow. I've been there several times and have had the privlidge of witnessing a guard changing several times. Eagle, I had no idea of the details or sacrifices that these marines make. It it a very moving and patriotic scene and the details above give it all that much more meaning. Andrew, that shot captures the emotions beautifully. Great job.

I find what you write, Eagle, ASTONISHING. Service sounds something akin to a medieaval monk's existence!

Simply a fantastic shot. Well done.

Beautifully poignant photo! Visited there years ago and was mesmerized by these fine soldiers. Was there for the lowering of the flag in the evening. a beautiful ceremony.

Check out http://www.snopes.com/​military/unknown.asp
the email Eagle quotes is a little off in places and Snopes has links to some great info and FAQs on the topic.

it's a great shot, though where is the rest of the gun? if there is a chance to see the rest of the gun, i would think it would make an even better shot.

Definitely an M14... excellent rifle, and the last "blue steel and walnut" main battle rifles used by U.S. forces. Used first in Viet Nam, later replaced by the M16, but still in use today by designated marksmen (and, in slightly modified form, by snipers) in OIF. Got one (in semi-auto) myself, actually... probably the best battle rifle ever fielded.

Born and raised in Arlington I've been to the tomb of the unknowns a number of times. Always a moving experience.

Great capture, BTW.