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The tread of the tomb guard is measured,
steady, and the only sound on this night, as it reverberates off thousands of
headstones. Day in, day out, rain, or shine, storm, or snow.
Those 21 steps ever so closely examined by
tourists; while their whispers are hushed, and reverent. And, the soldier
treads out the same measured course, as darkness mercifully covers the sadness
of this place, and only God lingers now.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I have stood there, and watched these
blessed men and women, as they step off their paces; a sense of reverence, and
pride about each of them. And I have heard them challenge the irreverent. For
when a child carelessly steps across a certain invisible line, or when an adult
speaks too loudly, the soldier barks out what has the essence of an order.
“It is requested by the Army, and the
United States of America that you maintain decorum in this sacred place!”
Now, the soldier resumes his mournful, but
respectful duty. 21 steps.
The Old Guard never deserts his post, and he
has walked that walk, without so much as a moment’s pause, for the past
century.
There is a
phrase imprinted on that famous tomb to which he so faithfully attends .
“Here lies an honored soldier. Known only
to God.”
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