John Sheda

On Monday, May 30, we will celebrate Memorial Day. For some it is the “kick-off” for summer but for many, it’s a time of reflection for loved ones gone. Memorial Day is about our heritage; reminiscing great moments in each of our lives to those we loved so dearly and are now living securely in our memory banks. It’s also a day to remember those who gave their lives to secure our freedom here in the United States. A few years back, our family visited the Washington, D.C. Area for a family vacation. Our favorite place was a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and especially visiting The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While there we all learned some interesting facts about the soldiers that guarded the Tomb.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day; seven days a week; 365 days a year by specially trained soldiers of the 3rd United States Infantry. They are known as “The Old Guard.”

Each soldier must be between 5’10’ and 6’2″ tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30 inches. They must commit 2 years of their life to guard the tomb and live in a barracks under the tomb.

Each guard walks exactly twenty-one steps during his walk across the Tomb to honor the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given in the military.

Each guard hesitates for exactly 21 seconds after his “about face” to begin his return march for the same reason.

Each guard wears wet or moistened white gloves at all times to prevent losing his grip on his rifle.

Each guard carries his rifle on the shoulder that is “away” from the tomb. After his march across the path and his about face, he moves the rifle to his outside shoulder.

Each guard marches for exactly 30 minutes and then there is a “changing of the guard.” EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE YEAR THIS IS DONE!

Each guard spends hours each day preparing for his walk. Uniforms neatly pressed, with no wrinkles, fold or lint of any kind being exposed. Shoes are impeccably shined.

In 2003, as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, the Senate and House took 2 entire days of in anticipation of the storm. Due to the possible danger of this hurricane, for the first time in history, the Military Guard was given permission to suspend their assignment until the storm subsided. Each Guard respectfully declined the assignment saying unanimously, “No way, Sir.” Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of this terrible storm, they said that guarding The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was not just an assignment, but rather it was the highest honor that could be given to a soldier.

The Tomb has been been patrolled continuously 24/7/365 since 1930.

As an American, I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our military men and women…..past, present and future, and wherever they are at right now all over the world. May God bless you and yours on this Memorial Day and may God Bless America.

That’s The Way I See It.

Let me know what you think at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319-327-4640.