What is the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown?

The Tomb Guard marches exactly 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. (The number 21 symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed, the 21-gun salute.)

Has there ever been a time when the tomb of the Unknown Soldier was not guarded?

“The tomb has been guarded continuously since 1948,” said Maj. Tradition has dictated that the tomb remain guarded at all times. There has been at least one soldier watching over the tomb since the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment took over the mission a few years after the end of World War II.

What is one fact about the tomb guards who are assigned to guard the tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

Guards do not wear rank on their uniform as they cannot outrank the unknown soldiers, and we don’t know what rank they were. All the unknown soldiers have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest medal one can receive, so tomb guards can wear any medals they have earned as they will not out medal the unknowns.

How often are the guards at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier changed?

Every 30 minutes during the summer (April 1 to September 30) and every 30 minutes during the winter (October 1 to March 31). During closing hours the guard is changed every 2 hours. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Who are the Sentinels of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather. Sentinels, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia.

Can a tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard drink?

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards Can’t Drink for Life, Must Live in Underground Barracks?

Who was the sculptor of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

THE MARBLE SCULPTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANY OTHER U.S. MONUMENTS. The Tomb was designed by architect Lorimer Rich and sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, but the actual carving was done by the Piccirilli Brothers.