Facts
about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards for kids
The following fact
sheet continues with facts about Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Guards. The picture below provides the words of the
Sentinel's Creed.
Who guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The army guards are from the 4th
Battalion of the 3rd United States Infantry
Regiment, "The Old Guard".
Why are there guards at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier?
To ensure the continued respect and security
of one of the nation's most sacred symbols
When do the guards change at the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier?
The guards are changed every hour, on the
hour, from October 1 to March 31. From April
1 through September 30 another change is
added on the half hour.
The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. During nighttime hours the measured
and precise step of the on duty sentinel
remains unchanged from the daylight hours.
Why are the guards gloves wet at the Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier?
To prevent losing the grip on the rifle.
How many steps does the guard take during
his walk across the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier?
The guard takes 21 steps and then pauses for
21 seconds after his about face to begin his
return walk. The significance of '21'
reflects the twenty-one gun salute, the
highest honor given any military or foreign
dignitary.
Facts
about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards for kids
The following fact
sheet continues with facts about Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Guards at Arlington National Cemetery.
Facts
about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards for kids
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 1:
In 1926, the first US Army soldier
was posted to guard the memorial during cemetery hours.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 2:
On July 1, 1937 guard duty was extended to the 24
hour watch.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 3:
The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard")
formally took over the duties of Honor Guard on April 6,
1948.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 4:
The 3rd United States Infantry, "The
Old Guard", has served continuously since 1784. It is
the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army
and is the Army's official ceremonial unit, escort to
the president, and also provides security for
Washington, D.C.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 5:
Guards must memorize 7 pages of history on
Arlington National Cemetery and then recite it verbatim before being
granted "a walk". The military ritual guard change ceremony, and the
grave locations of nearly 300 veterans are also part of the
requirements of a sentinel.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 6:
The guards hold no rank. This is
because the rank of the unidentified dead is unknown and
it would be inappropriate for the Unknowns to be guarded
by someone who outranks them.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 7:
To these special guards, the
continuity of this post is the key to the honor and
respect shown to the honored dead and their duties
remain uninterrupted during all weathers. During heat
waves, blizzards, hurricanes, rain, sleet, snow and hail
they continue their guard, welfare of the Soldier is
never put at risk.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 8:
How often are the Guards changed?
Every 30 minutes during the summer (April 1 to September
30) and every 30 minutes during the winter (October 1 to
March 31). During closing hours the guard is changed
every 2 hours. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365
days a year.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 9:
The Tomb Guards march 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.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 10:
Out of respect for the dead, the guards carry
the rifle
on the outside shoulder - away from the Tomb.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 11:
Guards are not permitted to speak or break his march,
unless someone enters the restricted area around the
Tomb.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 12:
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he
must be between 5' 10" - 6' 2" tall and his waist size
cannot exceed 30 inches. A small number of female
soldiers have applied and been accepted for the position
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 13:
The average length of duty for guards
at the memorial is 18 months.
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact 14:
Myths! Whilst off-duty guards are
allowed to take alcohol!
Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier Guards Fact
15: The Hurricane: Hurricane Isabel was
the deadliest, costliest, and strongest hurricane in the
2003 Atlantic hurricane season, but the sentinels
continued with their sentry duties during this difficult
night.
Facts
about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards for kids
Facts
about
Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier Guards for kids:
Changing of the Guard
Ceremony at Arlington
The changing of the guard ceremony at Arlington cemetery is
conducted: ● Every 30 minutes from 8am
until 7pm (April 1 - September 30th)
● Every 60 minutes from 8am
until 5pm (October 1 - March 31st)
● Every 2 hours when the
Arlington cemetery is closed.
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at
Arlington
The changing of the guard ceremony at Arlington National
cemetery is as follows:
1. A uniformed relief commander enters the plaza to
announce the Changing of the Guard. He approaches the tomb, slowly
salutes, then faces the visitors and yells requesting silence during
the ceremony.
2. The relief sentinel unlocks
the bolt of his M-14 rifle to signify that he is ready to begin the
ceremony and the relief commander conducts a white-glove inspection
of the sentinel's weapon. This is a real inspection and the relief
sentinel can be sent away, leaving the current sentinel in place
till the next scheduled Changing of the Guard.
3. The commander and the
sentinel march to the center of the black mat where the duty
sentinel stops his walk. All three soldiers salute the Tomb and
perform the changing of the guard ceremony.
4. The words are as follows:
● "Pass on your orders." the
relief commander instructs the active sentinel
● "Post and orders, remain
as directed." is the active sentinel's reply
● "Orders acknowledged."
answers the relieving sentinel
5. The relieving sentinel
steps into position at the center of the black mat. All three
soldiers salute the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
6. As soon as the relief
commander passes, the relieving sentinel begins his own walk - 21
paces south, turn and pause for 21 seconds, turn and pace 21 steps
south.
7. The actions are repeated
until the active sentinel is relieved by the next guard.
8. Both the relief commander
and the relieved sentinel exit off the right, which concludes the
ceremony.
Facts
about
Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier Guards for kids
For visitors interested in the history of
WW1 refer to the following articles:
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards for kids - The President's Video
The following video
will give you additional important facts, history
and dates about the personal and political lives of
all the US Presidents.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards
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