Guarding The Unknown Soldier's Tomb {Insp}

"Guarding The Unknown Soldier's Tomb"*

*Did you know:

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of
the Unknown Soldier 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 losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder at the time, and if not why?

He carries the rifle on his shoulder away from the tomb. After his march
across the path, he executes an about face, and moves the rifle to the
other 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".
Received on Sun Nov 2 08:31:05 2008