Tomb_of_the_Unknowns

In preparing to write this essay I did some extensive research and learned about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The idea of an Unknown Soldier Tomb had come from Europe when these monuments started appearing there after World War 1. The American tomb located at Arlington National Cemetery has been guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, since 1920. Being chosen as a Tomb Guard is a great honor. The US Military picks the best of the best for this duty. Sometimes, even being the best soldier is not enough to guard a monument that symbolizes every American veteran to ever lose their life in battle. Soldiers must go through intense training for 2 years before they are selected to guard the Tomb. The training covers everything from their facial expressions to the perfect uniform appearance. On average, a guard will spend up to 8 hours polishing their boots and preparing their uniform. Every aspect of their uniform is perfect and exact including the fit and polishing of the decorations. If any one thing is wrong with their uniform at inspection, they will be scolded on the spot. The shifts for these highly trained guards last 30 minutes in the summer and one hour is the winter. While Hurricane Isabel tore through Washington DC in 2003, a guard continued at his post walking the traditional 21 steps back and forth, drenched. A guard also continued walking his 21 steps while Flight 77 was aimed towards the Pentagon on 9/11/01. Guards live in barracks located underneath the tomb and follow strict rules, used while on duty and off duty. Guards are not allowed to fight, curse, or drink alcohol for the rest of their lives after earning the job. These honor guard regimen rules are strictly enforced. In recent totals, 525 total guards have followed these rules since 1920. Violating these rules are grounds for a guard or a former guard being removed from the honor guard regimen list.