Arlington National Cemetery - Arlington, Virginia
Candlewick Press
|
Arlington National Cemetery Photo Album
(Photos by Larry Brownlee) The tomb is a place where we show respect and honor the soldiers who have lost their lives serving our country. 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.)" (Arlington National Cemetery Website) On Nov. 11, 1921, the first unknown, a veteran of World War I, was laid to rest. Later, the remains of unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were added. The remains of an unknown soldier from the Vietnam War were identified through DNA testing in 1998 and were returned to his family. Guards were first placed at the tomb in 1926, and the tomb has been guarded 24/7 since 1937. Guards are handpicked for this special honor and undergo rigorous training. |
Guard interview
"Contrary to some popular belief, Thomas Tudor, badge number 78, who served from February 1969 to May 1970, said he much preferred the walks in the snow or rain over the grueling summer humidity. If the heat wasn’t enough, summer also invited a few unwanted guests that tried Tudor’s resolve. On one occasion, it was a bumblebee on his face. Another was when a baby squirrel went up his pant leg inside his trousers. The last was a visitor who accidentally took an up-close photo of her own eye. Tudor maintained his composure during some of the longest 21 seconds of his life, as he knew he had a job to do." -from Beyond 21 Steps - Library of Congress blog
"Contrary to some popular belief, Thomas Tudor, badge number 78, who served from February 1969 to May 1970, said he much preferred the walks in the snow or rain over the grueling summer humidity. If the heat wasn’t enough, summer also invited a few unwanted guests that tried Tudor’s resolve. On one occasion, it was a bumblebee on his face. Another was when a baby squirrel went up his pant leg inside his trousers. The last was a visitor who accidentally took an up-close photo of her own eye. Tudor maintained his composure during some of the longest 21 seconds of his life, as he knew he had a job to do." -from Beyond 21 Steps - Library of Congress blog
"My son disappeared in France in 1944. This is the only place I have. God bless you, son, and thank you."
-A woman spoke these words to tomb guard Thomas Tudor.
-A woman spoke these words to tomb guard Thomas Tudor.