Tomb of the unknown soldier Changing of the guard

A permanent guard is mounted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, near Washington, DC. This is performed by a single member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, who marches along a 63-foot walkway in exactly 21 paces, before turning to face the tomb for exactly 21 seconds, turning to face the opposite direction for another 21 seconds, and then retracing his steps to repeat the process. Each turn the guard makes is precise and is instantly followed by a loud click of the heels as he snaps them together. The guard is changed every half hour during daylight in the summer, and every hour during daylight in the winter and every two hours at night (when the cemetery is closed to the public), regardless of weather conditions.

A guard has been on duty at the site continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since July 2, 1937.

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[vickster339]

I appreciate the response, I would like to see it one day and pay my respects. So much of our country is a complete disgrace it amazes me that you dont' see loons hurling tomatoes. Perhaps a loon even have desire for self preservation?

[shadowwatcher42d]

@vickster339 as to your question, "Has anyone ever crossed it unauthorized?" Yes, on numerous occurrences, They are told to remain behind the chain links, also, if there is too much loud laughter, the guard will admonish the "general" area where the laughter is coming from, I don't know the exact formula used, but basically they are told that this is a very solemn area.

[shadowwatcher42d]

@vickster339 The "weapon" is not loaded, no, there are no orders to fire on any one who crosses into the guarded area, you will be warned verbally to remove yourself to the spectators side of the chain links. There are other guards approx 200ft away who will respond upon the sentry's calling for the Commander of the Relief.

How ever, just so you know, the bayonet on the muzzle end of the weapon is quite real.

[vickster339]

I keep hearing conflicting crap. Is the gun loaded and do they have orders to fire if the someone crosses the barrier? Has anyone everyone crossed it unauthorized?

[ogpaintballr]

I went to D.C. with my family in July of 2008, my Grandfather came with us, him and my grandmother presented a wreath in the ceremony...they both teared up during it, My grandfather served in Germany in WW2 and it was touching for him to come to this place and see so many brothers in arms laid to rest peacefully. He'll never forget that experience...Thanks for posting this video

[ls033189]

Beautiful tradition. In 2003 while hurricane Isabelle was approaching, the soldiers assigned to guard duty were given permission to suspend the assignment, they declined. They marched in the pelting rain of a tropical storm. They stated "Guarding the tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson".

[copencorporations]

the arlington cemetary is truley an amazing and sad place to be but the sights are amazing

[93sifuentes]

Ive seeen this before. truly an amazing sight

[WESTPOINTACADEMY]

no shit that would be a good reason to keep guarding it.

[LilP803]

uve got to quit watching deadliest warrior man