1. The Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) is a monument dedicated to the American servicemen who have died without their remains being identified.
2. In Washington D.C., on a lovely hillside overlooking the Potomac River is the site of Arlington National Cemetery. This is the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every year on November 11 –the Veterans' Day, the unknown soldiers, who were buried there, are honored with an impressive ceremony. The President places a wreath at the site.
3. It was in 1921 that Congress approved the idea of burying an unknown soldier from World War I. This was a custom that other countries like Great Britain and France had already begun to follow. As soon as the Tomb was completed, it became a popular spot because of the beautiful view it offered visitors. People actually used the Tomb as a picnic table! On March 25, 1926, the government decided to post an armed military guard there to uphold its solemn dignity by keeping picnickers and others away. In 1937, more guards were added, and the 24-hour watch was begun. Since then, three more unknown soldiers' bodies have been buried there: one from World War II, one from the Korean War, and one from the Vietnam War*. All were buried with highest honors.
4. You may wonder why the country pays such high respect to soldiers whom no one knows. These Americans who gave their lives and identities for peace and freedom represent all those killed, missing, or became unknown in the service of their country. The tomb is a place where families can go to grieve for loved ones - lost, known or unknown. Having a place for prayer and respect can provide closure for them.
5. The Guard of Honor at the Tomb maintains the highest standards of the U.S. Army. These men and women are handpicked and trained strictly. Their mission is to protect the Tomb itself. They pledge to prevent any disrespect or desecration toward it.
6. A guard's job is difficult and demanding, so it is not surprising that 80 percent of those who want the job fail to qualify. First of all, a person must be between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall with a waist size not exceeding 30 inches. Soldiers must be disciplined, have a strong military manner, and possess an outstanding military appearance. Each individual must be able to perfectly perform seven different walks, honors, and ceremonies. He or she must learn and remember vast amounts of information about the Tomb, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Army, and their unit.
7. Once a sentinel is chosen, much work is put into performing the job. To get ready for a shift, a guard may spend as many as eight hours preparing his or her uniform. Folds, wrinkles, and lint are not tolerated. As you may imagine, a full length mirror is necessary!
8. The sentinels are divided up into shifts, otherwise knows as reliefs. Soldiers are assigned to reliefs according to height. The tallest soldiers (6' 2" to 6' 4") are in the first relief; the shortest (5' 11" to 6") are in the third relief. If you visit the Tomb, you may be able to tell which relief is on duty just by the height of the sentinels.
9. During a relief, the guard takes twenty-one steps across the tomb and then performs an about face, or turn around. He or she will pause for twenty-one seconds before going back across the Tomb another twenty-one steps. The number twenty-one relates to the twenty-one gun salute given in honor to any military or foreign dignitary. The rifle is always carried on the guard's shoulder that is away from the Tomb. This requires the guard to change the rifle at every about face.
10. Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year. Off duty hours are spent preparing the uniform, training, and getting haircuts. After nine months, a guard is recognized with a badge signifying service at the Tomb. Over 500 badges are presently worn.
The poem included here was written as a tribute to those who serve at the Tomb.
If a soldier is 6 feet 1 inches tall, which relief will he or she be assigned to?