CHANGING OF THE GUARD

At one time I lived in the Northern Virginia area; a few dozen miles from Arlington National Cemetery.

And prior to living there, during my high school senior trip, and subsequently, I have visited The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tomb currently contains the remains of WWI, WWII and Korean War unknowns. A civilian guard was posted here in 1925, and replaced by a military guard in 1926.

In 1937 military guards were stationed at the site 24 hours a day, and they walk the 21 steps on a continual basis. For eighty years members of tomb guard have "walked the walk" in spite of rain, hail, sleet or snow, and have NEVER left the tomb unattended; no, not for a second.  I have watched the prestigious ceremony several times, and have never ceased to be impressed.

There is a meticulous routine which the tomb guard follows when standing watch over the graves.

The Tomb Guard:

1. Marches 21 steps south down the black mat laid across the Tomb.
2. Turns and faces east, toward the Tomb, for 21 seconds.
3. Turns and faces north, changes weapon to outside shoulder, and waits 21 seconds.
4. Marches 21 steps down the mat.
5. Turns and faces east for 21 seconds.
6. Turns and faces south, changes weapon to outside shoulder, and waits 21 seconds.
7. Repeats the routine until the soldier is relieved of duty at the Changing of the Guard.

After each turn, the Guard executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the Guard stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.

Out of respect for the interred, the sentinels command silence at the tombs. If the guard walking the mat must vocally confront a disturbance from spectators, or a threat, the routine is interrupted, and remains so until the disturbance is under control. The sentinel will exit the mat, place the weapon in port arms position, and confront the disturbance. Once under control, the sentinel then walks on the pavement to the other side of the mat, turns to shoulder arms, and continues the routine.

Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed. The 21 gun salute.

(Wikipedia)

As you retire for bed tonight, they stand their post,

...and walk the 21 steps.