Sentinels are expected to maintain this standard at all times, and in all weather conditions. When a snowstorm shut down the government for a few days in , the Sentinels were at the cemetery. They do, however, take safety precautions when they serve under harsh weather conditions. During Hurricane Sandy, the team of Sentinels brought in a two-day supply of food and changed into wet-weather versions of their uniforms.
They stood guard under a small enclosure 20 feet from the Tomb, where they were protected from the storm. At one point, there was an unknown soldier from Vietnam — but in , scientists were able to use advances in DNA testing to identify him.
His body was returned to his family, and the crypt honoring the Vietnam unknown remains empty. They have a motto: A soldier never dies until he is forgotten. View the discussion thread. Sentinels guard the Tomb at all times, and in all weather conditions. Below, a few things you might not know about the historic site and the rituals that surround it. To ensure a truly random selection, four unknown soldiers were exhumed from four different WWI American cemeteries in France.
Army Sgt. Edward F. Younger, who was wounded in combat and received the Distinguished Service Medal, was chosen to select a soldier for burial at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington. After the four identical caskets were lined up for his inspection, Younger chose the third casket from the left by placing a spray of white roses on it.
The chosen soldier was transported to the U. One had served in the European Theater and the other served in the Pacific Theater. Charette, chose one of the identical caskets to go on to Arlington. The other was given a burial at sea.
The soldiers were disinterred from the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Gun salutes are also rendered to other military and civilian leaders of this and other nations. The number of guns is based on their protocol rank. These salutes are always in odd numbers. For example, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 gun salutes are fired depending on rank of the person.
The use of gun salutes for military occasions is traced to early warriors who demonstrated their peaceful intentions by placing their weapons in a position that rendered them ineffective. Apparently this custom was universal, with the specific act varying with time and place, depending on the weapons being used.
A North African tribe, for example, trailed the points of their spears on the ground to indicate that they did not mean to be hostile. The tradition of rendering a salute by cannon originated in the 14th century as firearms and cannons came into use. Since these early devices contained only one projectile, discharging them once rendered them ineffective. Originally warships fired seven-gun salutes—the number seven probably selected because of its astrological and Biblical significance.
The relief commander orders the relieved Sentinel, "Pass on your orders. When the relief commander passes, the new Sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute. The Tomb Guard marches exactly 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. The number 21 symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed, the gun salute.
Next, the Sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.
When not "walking," the Tomb Guards spend their duty time in quarters below the Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater , where they study cemetery history, clean their weapons and help the rest of their relief prepare for the changing of the guard. The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, days a year, in any weather. Sentinels, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U.
After members of the 3rd U. Infantry Regiment become ceremonially qualified, they are eligible to volunteer for duty as Sentinels at the Tomb. Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build.
Would-be Tomb Guards must first undergo an interview and a two-week trial. During the trial phase, they memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history. This information must be recited verbatim in order to earn a "walk. If a soldier passes the first training phase, "new soldier" training begins.
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