Tomb of the Unknowns - Changing of the Guard

Published on: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:09:44 -0700

A portion of the Changing of the Guard ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery. It was thundering in the background. According the Cemetery's website, during the ceremony the Tomb Guard marches 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. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute. July 2008

Author: MadAbout31
Keywords: Arlington National Cemetery Tomb Unknown Soldier Changing Guard
Added: July 20, 2008