THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS

The tomb and those who guard it
            The Tomb of the Unknowns, or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is a tribute to many Americans who lost their lives for our freedom.  Three unidentified servicemen, one each from World War 1, World War 2, and Korea, are buried there.  There is also a tomb for a service member from the Vietnam War, but that airman's remains were identified and removed from the tomb.  The Vietnam tomb is to remain empty.
            A lone tomb guard takes 21 steps as he walks back and forth on a mat in front of the tomb.  He stops at each end of the mat, turns around, and faces nearby Washington for 21 steps and seconds stand for the 21-gun salute, the highest U.S. salute.
            The changing of the guard ceremonies are held during the daylight hours.  The guards are changed every hour during the winter and every half-hour during the summer.  There are also sentinels on duty at night.
           A tomb sentinel walks in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.  The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded non-stop by soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) since 1948.
What a sentinel wears
           A serious look, never a smile.
           Sunglasses because of the glare of the white marble.
           Brass buttons that are pinned on so they are easy to take off for daily polishing.
           Blue dress uniforms with not a wrinkle.
           Highly polished shoes with built-up thick soles that make the toes higher than the heels.  This helps posture.   Metal taps on the inside of the heels make a clicking sound when tapped together.
Sentinels:
           * volunteer for the honor of being one.  Only those who pass through difficult training are selected.  Not all make it.
           * must sign on for the right reasons.  They must want to show respect for those who lost their lives serving our country.  They must memorize seven pages of inforation about the cemetery and the tomb.
          * must maintain their composure and always show respect.
          * must press and steam their own uniforms and keep their brass buttons polished.  They usually stay on the job for up to two years.