The guard takes 21 steps during his walk across the the tomb of the unknown.
The 21 steps alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary
He hesitates for 21 seconds after his about face to begin his return walk. His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle which is carried 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. Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
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”. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in the 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 or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on his lapel signifying he served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guards 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 of 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 Lewis, Medal of Honor winner, Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII. The tomb has been patrolled continuously 24/7 since 1930.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
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