TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
1. The guard takes twenty-one steps during each pass across the tombs of the Unknowns.
The twenty-one steps represent the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. The guard hesitates twenty-one seconds after completing his about face, to begin his return walk.
This too simulates the twenty-one gun salute.
3. The guards gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. The guard carries the rifle on his shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. The physical traits of a guard are between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed thirty inhes.
7. A guard must commit two 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 or the tomb in any way.
8. After completing his two year tour of duty, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. There are only 400 presently worn.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Honor Guard has been on duty -every hour of -every day, since 1946... without exception