I am describing a certain job function within the military, HH, please wait a little while before barking out the correct answer. What function is being described here? For a person to apply for this position he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of this position: They must commit 2 years of life to this function, live in a barracks under the place that they provide this function, 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 in any way. After two years, the soldier is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served in this position. There are only 400 presently worn. The soldier must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. Their 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. They dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. Every soldier in this position spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for duty.
That is correct. There was so much about this honored position that I didn't know. In addition, here are a few questions with answers: 1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? Answer: 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? Answer: 21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1 3. Why are his gloves wet? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
One more bit of info: 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.
Given the requirements, I would assume a number of these dedicated individuals are Mormons. (I doubt many are Irish. Damn sure!)
Extraordinary individuals all....God Bless 'em. What a magnificent sight and experience. The precision is beyond description. It's the first place we took the kids once we got to DC. The supreme importance of duty, honor, service to others are lessons so many lack in this day and age. Terry