Is tomb of the unknown soldier always guarded?

Is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Always Guarded?

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, dedicated to the service members who have died and been unidentified during wartime. The tomb is guarded by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard," 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But is the tomb always guarded? Let’s explore this question further.

A Brief History of the Tomb

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was first established in 1921 as a way to honor the unknown American service members who had died during World War I. The tomb was constructed using marble and granite, and it was dedicated on November 11, 1921. Since then, the tomb has been updated to include unknown service members from World War II and the Korean War, and it has become a symbol of American sacrifice and honor.

The Guarding Ceremony

The guarding ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a highly ritualized and formalized process. The guards, who are handpicked from the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, are trained for months to perform the intricate and precise movements required for the ceremony. The ceremony includes:

• Changes of the Guard: A formal ceremony where the outgoing guard is relieved by the incoming guard.
• The Inspection: A precise inspection of the guard and the tomb by the commander of the Old Guard.
• The Tomb Vigil: A 24-hour vigil kept by the guard, who stands watch over the tomb and performs regular rituals, such as changing the flag and performing a ceremony to honor the unknown service members.

Who are the Guards?

The guards who watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are members of the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard." The Old Guard is an elite infantry regiment that was established in 1784 and has a long history of serving as the Presidential Guard, the Tomb Guard, and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

The Training

To become a Tomb Guard, soldiers must undergo extensive training, which includes:

• Physical Conditioning: Guards must be in top physical condition to perform the demanding tasks required of them.
• Rituals and Ceremonies: Guards are trained to perform the intricate rituals and ceremonies required for the guarding ceremony.
• Emotional Preparation: Guards are trained to cope with the emotional demands of watching over the tomb and honoring the unknown service members.

Is the Tomb Always Guarded?

So, is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier always guarded? The answer is yes. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment. The guards are changed every 30 minutes during the day and every 60 minutes at night, ensuring that the tomb is always watched over.

Table: Guard Duty Schedule

Conclusion

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred and historic monument that is guarded by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard." The guards undergo extensive training to perform the intricate rituals and ceremonies required for the guarding ceremony. The tomb is always guarded, with changes of the guard every 30 minutes during the day and every 60 minutes at night. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of American sacrifice and honor, and the guards who watch over it are a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of the United States military.

Additional Facts

• The Tomb has been guarded continuously since May 30, 1937.
• The guards are allowed to take a 15-minute break every 4 hours.
• The Tomb Guard is the most prestigious and coveted assignment in the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment.
• The Tomb is visited by over 3 million people each year.

By understanding the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the importance of the guarding ceremony, we can appreciate the sacrifices made by the unknown service members and the dedication of the guards who watch over their final resting place.