Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier - Interesting Facts

[Az]

Yes, Az, but people VOLUNTEER for the job. No one forces them to, the soldiers want to do it because it is a great honor. It ain't for me, for some of those soldiers, it is important.

And if you've been to the Tomb, you'd see how moving the tribute is.

I have no doubt it's very moving. I am just quite certain that this could've been just as moving without all of those draconian rules inplace.

So Az, what is the minimum entertaining and talking requirement for this to not be a tradgedy?

2.613*pi on the Ronald McDonald scale of entertainment.

How about not having those useless restrictions WRG to talking and harmless entertainment, at all? It still would be just as moving, and respectful, if this sort of ceremony is the best way, anyway ( I am not certain of that, but we'll take that as a given ) . You know, fellow soldiers that do their best to pay tribute to the memory of the fallen. This zombification ritual is weird, just as weird as the ballet lessons the Russian/Soviet honour guard takes. I think it should be in great shape, honorable, and impressive, but the common sense limit is crossed.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I am just quite certain that this could've been just as moving without all of those draconian rules inplace.

Well, I'm sure they are in place also to keep people away except for those who REALLY, REALLY want it, and not just those looking for a cushy assignement (which it could be without the rules).

[General Ludd]

Nothing wrong with not talking to anyone or watching tv for 6 months. Everyone should give it a try.


Sounds like these guys are more monks than they are soldiers.

[Az]

AHA! Ludd agrees with you. Now I know I won the argument.

[Immortal Wombat]

Just sounds like a really boring job to me

[mrmitchell]

Did anyone else notice this?

"I've got buddies getting shot at in Iraq who would kick my butt if word got to them that we let them down. I sure as hell have no intention of spending my Army career being known as the damned idiot who couldn't stand a little light breeze and shirked his duty."

They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a 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.

[chequita guevara]

Oops.

[Sandman]

There's nothing quite as hilarious as state-sponsored lunacy.

Isn't the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" a French concept, anyway?

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by Azazel
AHA! Ludd agrees with you.

That shut him up.

[Az]

I'd respond to you, but I'd end up agreeing with you, and that would be wrong.

[Nubclear]

Originally posted by Azazel
And I thought that the Soviet guards had ****ed up lives. I mean, seriously. The Useless suffering that is inflicted upon these men ( willingly, yes, but that's besides the point ) is just screaming to high heavens. Their suffering doesn't honour the dead soldiers.

The Soviet propaganda departmnent people tried to tell you these things....But did you listen? Nooooooooo

[Verto]

Great read.

[Master Zen]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
Just go back to your happy little cult and ignore me, Slowwy. Shame the military cares more about dead soldiers than live ones.

If it's voluntary how does this make sense?

No-one forces them, period. To you or me it might seem inhumane and cruel but then again so is being a fakir in India. I, for one, could not live without alcohol for over 3 months... much less the rest of my life.

[Tiamat]

Out of that 175 inturned there is General William A. Fullilove my uncle. Thank you for that article Sloww.

[Az]

now that's cool.