January-February 2005 Newsletter, Disabled American Veterans, Department of New York

NEWSLETTER
A Publication for Members of the Disabled American Veterans Dept. of NY
January-February 2005

"A Bit of Information We Would Like to Share With You"
Facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

submitted by Hanover/Southtowns Chapter #177

How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns, and why?
Twenty-one steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return, and why?
Twenty-one seconds for the same reason as answer number one.
Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?
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.
How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minuted, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
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 waist cannot exceed 30".

Other requirements of the Guard:

They must commit 2 years of life to guard the Tomb, live in 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 (fighting) or the Tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the Tomb. There are only 40 presently worn. The guard 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 a 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 off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people who rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are President Taft; Joe E. Lewis (the Boxer); and Audie Murphy (Medal of Honor winner and the most decorated soldier of WWII.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniform ready for guard duty.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

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