“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but
to God."
They can’t be returned home to
friends or loved ones. No one knows for
certain how, when or even ‘if’ they actually died. Their remains are memorialized by a
cube-shaped sarcophagus on a grassy hillside overlooking Arlington Cemetery; a
solemn tribute to the soldiers who died in combat but whose remains aren’t
identifiable. They remain, perpetually, soldiers
who not only gave up their lives for this country, but theie identities as well.
There’s perhaps no greater honor than to be selected as a
Tomb Guard. They’re the best of the
army’s most elite 3rd Infantry Regiment – superbly conditioned with unblemished
military records.
If recommended, applicants complete an intense training
period covering weapons, ceremonial procedures, cemetery entombments, uniform
preparation, and military orders.
Tomb sentinels uphold a lofty standard. They must commit two years of life guarding
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 and cannot
disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
The ‘Honor Guard’ is the Army’s least-awarded
badge. It’s the only one that can be revoked
(even after they’ve retired) for any act that “disrespects” the
Badge. Only 400 are presently worn (4
by females).
For the first 6 months of duty, Guards can’t talk to anyone
or watch TV. They spend 5 hours daily
preparing their uniforms (polishing brass buttons and hand-shining shoes; wrinkles,
folds or lint are absolutely unacceptable.).
That’s followed by 3 hours of “mirror time” during which they spin their
rifles, check their posture and stumble in private so they’re ‘perfect’ in
public.
Guards “walk the mat” in front
of the Tomb regardless of weather, sporadic taunts from the crowd, or
occasional insect attacks. They’re only
allowed to break ceremonial position to tell unruly visitors to “remain silent while
at the national shrine.” The tomb’s been
continually guarded since July 2, 1937.
Sentinels walk exactly 21 steps,
then turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds.
They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the
outside shoulder (always between the Tomb and the audience), then step off for
another 21 steps down the mat. Twenty-one
represents a 21-gun salute, the nation’s highest military honor.
Their 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. “I walk my tour in humble reverence … with
dignity and perseverance!”
At no other place in America does the sound of
click-clacking steps mean so much to so many!
“It’s he who commands the respect I protect, her
bravery that made us proud. Surrounded
by well-meaning crowds by day, alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this
soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.” ~ Sentinel’s Creed
