The Eternal Vigil: Why the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is Guarded
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred place of reverence and remembrance, dedicated to the countless unidentified soldiers who have lost their lives in combat. The tomb is guarded by an elite group of soldiers, who stand watch over the grave 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. But why is the tomb of the unknown soldier guarded?
The Significance of the Tomb
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of respect, honor, and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the unidentified soldiers who have died in service to their countries. The tomb is typically a grave for an unidentified soldier, whose remains have been recovered from a battlefield and identified as being unable to be identified due to the severity of their remains or the passage of time.
The Origins of the Guard
The concept of guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier dates back to World War I. The first unknown soldier’s grave was established in Westminster Abbey in London, England in 1920. The grave was guarded by the British Army, who would change the guard every hour to ensure the solemnity and respect of the occasion.
The Symbolism of the Guard
The guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of the enduring spirit of sacrifice and dedication of the military. The guard represents the unwavering commitment of the soldiers to their duty, as well as the respect and admiration for the unknown soldier.
The Protocol of the Guard
The protocol for guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier is rigorous and precise. The guard is typically a member of an elite military unit, and is selected for their exemplary service record and discipline.
- The Uniform: The guard wears a specific uniform, which includes a dress uniform, medals, and a sword.
- The Ceremony: The guard performs a precise ceremony every hour, which includes a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, and the lowering of the flag.
- The Vigil: The guard stands watch for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no relief.
The Benefits of the Guard
The guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves several purposes:
- Respect and Honor: The guard demonstrates the respect and honor for the unknown soldier, as well as the sacrifices made by the military.
- Remembrance: The guard helps to keep the memory of the unknown soldier alive, and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the military.
- Education: The guard educates visitors about the history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Commemoration: The guard participates in ceremonies and events to commemorate important dates and anniversaries.
The Costs of the Guard
The costs of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are significant:
- Military Personnel: The guard is composed of military personnel, who must be trained and deployed for the specific duty.
- Equipment: The guard requires specialized equipment, such as uniforms, medals, and swords.
- Logistics: The guard requires logistical support, including food, shelter, and transportation.
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred place of reverence and remembrance, dedicated to the countless unidentified soldiers who have lost their lives in combat. The guard at the tomb is a symbol of the enduring spirit of sacrifice and dedication of the military, and serves as a reminder of the respect and honor due to the unknown soldier. The protocol of the guard is rigorous and precise, and the benefits of the guard include respect and honor, remembrance, education, and commemoration. While the costs of the guard are significant, the importance of the tomb and the guard cannot be overstated.
Table: Costs of Guarding the Tomb
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Military Personnel | $X |
| Equipment | $Y |
| Logistical Support | $Z |
Bullets List: Benefits of the Guard
• Respect and Honor
• Remembrance
• Education
• Commemoration
Important Dates and Anniversaries
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- National Moment of Remembrance (November 11, 11:00 AM EST)
- Arlington National Cemetery Ceremonies (annually)
