Guard warns visitor at Tomb of the Unknowns

A man steps over the chain to avoid walking through the crowd. The guard briefly interrupts his routine of 21 paces to remind the man to please stay behind the chain.

The men in the yellow t-shirts are WWII veterans from Tuscaloosa, AL (Roll Tide!) touring the D.C. area courtesy of The Honor Flight Network and the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club

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• Tomb
• of
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• Unknowns
• Arlington
• National
• Cemetery

[truck090]

Do only soldiers get to guard the tomb?

[RBB1118]

@truck090 Only a select few from the U.S. Army, yes. For starters, you have to be a specific height just to qualify (between 5'10" and 6'2"). It's a tough application and approval process and if you're chosen you spend the majority of the next two years rehearsing and maintaining your uniform.

[defenske]

@RBB1118 You sure its only army? i think i saw a marine when i went there. 

[RBB1118]

@defenske 100% sure. There may have been other service members there for various other ceremonies that are held here but it's strictly Army doing the guard duty.

[iamweirdnessful]

my grandfather, Chief Warrant Officer Chase, used to do that. i commend this soldier's discipline.

[yashti1979]

if people who visit the tomb would just shut up and show some respect, then it would make the visit that much more meaningful to those who show respect. Come on people. It's not hard. It's just common sense!!!

[twinky666666]

HOW DO YOU KNOW HE WAS AMERICAN?.

[triarii11]

@MrSockoOck As a Sentinel who guarded the Tomb (badge #284), I can only hope that someday you understand why decorum is to be enforced at this hallowed place. Individuality is fine, but there are times when conformity is entirely appropriate. If you choose to show your respect through laughter, talking loud, or... ...dancing, you must do it outside the bounds of ANC, and your show of "respect" can be noted then by whoever is watching you.

[triarii11]

@MRjrxakachuck My belt was 26 3/4 inches at a time when I wore 31 jeans..

[triarii11]

@MrSockoOck Sir, I am a Sentinel who guarded the Unknowns (badge #284). In a free country, you can pay your respects in any manner that you desire. Your proximity to the plaza where these men lay in honored glory is not required for you to "pay respects", and you will not exhibit frivolity on that plaza. You are not free to do it in the presence of the Unknowns. This is not negotiable. If you do not understand why, it is not our duty to explain it. But you will comply. yellowecho@ymail

[tylerfh2012]

@MrSockoOck *facepalm* So you seriously think that "moments of silence" should be changed to "moments of silence, talking, yelling, laughing, singing, or dancing"?! Submitting to the (very slight) inconvenience of remaining silent is a symbolic act demonstrating that you are putting something else first and putting yourself second. This is what is called RESPECT. Just doing whatever the hell you want to is NOT.

[caramialovesjames]

@MrSockoOck Unless you've actually been to Arlington, you will never understand how profound the silence is. I'm not saying dancing would be wrong, but you have to understand how very seriously these Soldiers take this duty.

[MrGarrett1911]

i know nothing of this memorial but i do grasp its for fallen unknown or unidentified soldiers. Nice to see such a respectful and honorable thing being done in a constant vigil guarding the tomb and ensuring it still maintains its military valor. Good job from our brothers over seas