What is the story behind all the ceremony surrounding the tomb of the unknown soldier?

Question

I understand there at one point was an unknown soldier there...but why is that tomb guarded so heavily and why is there so many rules etc. surrounding the soldier on guard??

The U.S., sorry about that, didn't realize there was more than one

Answer 1

There are still unknown soldiers there. The unknown soldier from the Vietnam war was removed when he was identified by DNA analysis. The others will almost certainly never be ID'ed at this late date.

The guards are there to honor those who not only gave their lives, but their very identities to their nation's defense. It is guarded 24/7 for that reason.

There are so many rules partially because the military really likes rules, but mainly because it is both an honor and a privilage to be a guard at the tomb, and also a great responsibility. The memory of those entombed there cannot be dishonored by sloppy practices and half-hearted drill.

Answer 2

There still are remains inside the tomb from our wars.

The ceremony around the guard has evolved over the years from age-old military customs. The guard takes 21 seconds to take 21 steps across his post.

21 is from the 21-gun salute and farewell. During a military funeral 21 shots are fired. It originated with the Navy, when a ship would see another friendly ship carrying a higher ranking officer, the ship would fire all its guns on one side, which at the time was 21.

It seems as though the ceremony is about the unknown remains, but I think it really represents all of the lost soldiers who have never come home.

Being on the honor guard is an honor itself. You can find more information about them by searching for the Old Guard on the internet. They have several other duties in the DC area.

Answer 3

The guard takes 21 steps in front of the tomb. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given
any military or foreign dignitary and then they hesitate for 21 seconds before turning. His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the
path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2"
tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They
must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and
cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear
in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the
tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently
worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the
wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from
their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to
make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the
uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty
time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National
Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among
the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner
Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US
Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening
news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military
members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were
given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer,
"No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm,
they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest
honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled
continuously, 24/7, since 1930. The tomb is guarded because it represents all of the soldiers lost and never found..........Flo

Answer 4

It is a 24 hour military vigil to honor soldiers from past conflicts and future conflicts. Untold numbers of soldiers were killed,left behind and or never identified in wars and it is in their honor that this ceremony (ritual) is practiced. The men guard the spirit and sacrifice which all fallen soldiers have given to us and our country. Dna research has now made identifying easier but there are still many whose remains are never located.

Answer 5

Which unknown soldier? The one in England or US, or France? Each one tells a different story.

Answer 6

"HERE RESTS IN
HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN
SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO GOD "

The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. I have been there many times....I cry each time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XiuZRb_4UU&mode=related&search=

Answer 7

it's not necessarily gaurded in the sense of theft, vandalism, etc. rather it's gaurded out of respect for those that have died and been left to be buried in the fields where they laid. it is a site that is highly revered nad honoured due to the fact - they, the unknown, will never come to their homes again. it's a respect issue. the ceremony itself is wonderfullymoving if you've not seen it/ the people that guard it - well it's a lengthy process. there are numerous websites detailing the uniform, amount f steps and people that have stood in the faceof natural dissasters.
when people are in the military they stand firmly and would die for their brothers in arms.

Answer 8

It's all over for the unknown soldier.