Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier - Interesting Facts

[MrFun]

I don't think I'm villifying him -- I'm just having fun with him.

[chequita guevara]

Tombs are only sacred to the living. The dead don't give a damn. The whole point of a tomb of the unknown soldier is to make ourselves feel better.

I am sickened by the insane code of conduct these men have to endure. This is a secular republic. We shouldn't have national monks.

[MrFun]

man -- unbunch your panties, Che

[Verto]

Boohoo to the commies.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by MrFun
man -- unbunch your panties, Che

Actually, I go commando.

[MrFun]

oh, ok

[Imran Siddiqui]

I wanted to make a funny quip about that and when we had our Poly meet (between two people, I know)... but I got nothing.

[Q Classic]

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.

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 400 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 the 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 laid to 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 Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends FIVE HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

shades of the vestal virgins, imho. didn't know they had to go through that much.

the no alcohol stipulation... have they yet had any muslim guards?

[Apocalypse]

You know, I see that as very doable. Incredibly difficult mind you, but still doable. As someone who has marched sentinel at a historic landmark for an upwards of 7 hours in one day, I can say that one gains the ability of playing various games to keep one entertained. Like keeping in step with a song you have in your head that you'd never think you can keep in step with. Very odd situations can arise too, which are very humorous and have the possibility of getting one in trouble, but *may* involve ice cream.

Where I marched sentinel:

[East Street Trader]

Making up a ceremonial guard is an excellent task for the military. It gives the squaddies something to do, they can look quite picturesque and no-one gets killed.

Once we can grow out of asking them to kill people I will become a fan.