Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
This summer, I have seen a lot of my friends and/or their kids traveling to Washington D.C. There is so much of our nation's young history in that part of the country, and I think no matter how many times you go, it's impossible to see everything. Over the course of my life, I have had the opportunity to go several times. Sometimes I have seen things I recall from previous visits, but there is always something new. The first time we went was 1976. It was the year of the United States' Bicentennial, and probably the highlight of that trip was that I was able to meet the Speaker of the House, Carl Albert, who was a personal friend of my dad's, in his office in the House of Representatives. My whole family was there, and we have a picture somewhere -- it is hi-lar-i-ous. There we are with the man who is second in line if something were to happen to the President, and we have on our full red, white and blue regalia. Not to mention that I am barely a teenager, which means I was probably at the most awkward-looking phase of my life. Yeah, cool.
Since that first visit, so many museums and memorials have been added, I am still always eager to go and see what's new. Visiting Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one stop that I believe I have made on every trip there. My recollections of being there during 105 degree heat, during a light rain, during pouring rain -- they all remain vivid to me. There are many details that are very unique to the soldiers who guard the tomb representing the servicemen and women who died in combat but whose remains are unable to be identified. The tomb is guarded by the Army's Third United States Infantry Regiment.
-Prior to 1937, the tomb was only guarded during daylight hours.
-During spring and summer, the guard is changed every thirty minutes.
-During the fall and winter, the guard is changed every hour.
-During the evening when the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every two hours.
-The sentinel marches 21 steps on the black mat, passing the final resting places of the Unknown Soldiers of World War I, II, Korea, and the crypt of the Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War.
-He stops, turns 90 degrees, waits 21 seconds, continues his turn, waits another 21 seconds, he then returns to the other end to repeat the process.
-21 is a number of special significance. I can't find anything but speculation as to its meaning.
-The rifle on his outside shoulder signifies that he stands between the tomb and any threat.
-His gloves are moistened so as to keep a firm grip on the rifle.
There are several fallacies about the personal life of the guards during their training and the rules that they agree to follow for the rest of their lives. Contrary to some beliefs, guards are not prohibited from cursing or drinking alcohol for the remainder of their life. They are not prevented from speaking to anyone for six months during their rigorous training. They are allowed to live on or off base, and they may watch television -- all details that have been incorrectly reported. However, there are several hours a day of rifle and uniform preparation, marching practice and perfection, and learning the history of the tomb and Arlington National Cemetery so that they are completely well versed in this honorable appointment. The training and history proficiency that is required takes such a great amount of time, they have little left for other activities.
Another interesting fact, is that the crypt holding the remains of the Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War is now empty. Due to DNA testing, that soldier was able to be identified in 1998. He was disinterred, and the remains were returned to his family.
I feel very lucky to have been born in the greatest country in the world. No matter what difficult situations we face, I am convinced that I would not want to be anywhere else. I mean, I want to be an American citizen. But yes, please -- I want to travel. It helps remind me how wonderful the United States really is.
