Walter B Hill American Legion Auxiliary Unit 76

Thank you Rochelle for sharing this.
Thank you Doris Young for sharing as well.

On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was, How many steps does the guard take during their walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns? ------ All three missed it ---

This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance Very fascinating.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does the guard take during their walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long do they hesitate after their about face to begin their return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

3. Why are their gloves wet?

Their gloves are moistened to prevent losing their grip on the rifle.

4. Do they carry their rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?

They carry the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.

After their march across the path, they execute an about face and move the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, they must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and their 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.

They cannot swear in public and cannot disgrace the uniform 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 a little over 600 presently worn.

The guard must obey these rules while serving as guards or for the rest of their lives if they choose.

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 their uniforms ready for guard duty.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

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 serviceperson.

The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

God Bless and Keep Them

I don't usually suggest that many posts be reshared, but I'd be very proud if this one reached as many people as possible.

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

Duty - Honor - Country

IN GOD WE TRUST

UPDATED ON 2/20/2024 To reflect the current number of those who have served as guards and to delete “for the rest of their lives”. Thank you for reading and sharing this.

Thank You to all the Volunteers and those who came out and ate at the Veterans & Family Day BBQ! God Bless You!

Bring Your Exhibit Entries - Items made in the last 3 years will be accepted (2020-2023)
Registration & Item Drop Off - Tuesday & Wednesday 11am-7pm. Save time and register online!
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**No Chicken or Rabbit Entries will be taken this year**

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Junior Animal Show Entries Open until September 28th!

Friday Animal Shows -
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Saturday, Sheep Show - Registration 8-9am, Show

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Heritage Day Livestock Show 2023 Please complete the form in regards to registering livestock for the Heritage Day Show 2023. We will have shows for the following species: Goats, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle and Sheep All forms are due no later than September 28th, 2023. If you need additional time, please reach out to Natalee Rogers-...

Coming to Heritage Days Friday night! September 29!!!

Coming to Heritage Days on Friday, September 29!

Booth Vendors Please mail your forms into:
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 76
P.O. Box 742
Albemarle, NC 28002 by September 22.

COMING SEPTEMBER 29 & 30!!!

GET READY FOR "HERITAGE DAYS 2023" at the Stanly County Fairgrounds!

Military Vehicles Display coming September 29-30, 2023!!!

We must know our History and Who We are as a Nation!

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Happy Flag Day and God Bless America!!!

Memorial Day is a special yet solemn day as it reminds veterans and civilians alike of the immense price we pay for freedom. As Americans, we owe a debt of gratitude for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

We are looking for some vendors and exhibitors who are interested in being a part of our Heritage Days Event.
September 29th & 30th
More details coming soon. If you are interested let us know!

Remember the American Legion Benefit Corn Hole Tournament!!!🇺🇸

Mass: Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 11:00 at Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Church, 416 N. Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001.

Mary Elaine Hibbs - View Obituary & Service Information Share Memories and Support the Family.

In Flanders Fields...This poem was written during the First World War by Canadian physician and Lt. Col. John McCrae. He was inspired to write it on May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow solider, Alexis Helmer, who died during the Second Battle of Ypres. We encourage you to take a moment today and read this powerful poem and remember our Veterans who were lost in World War I.

We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July! Thank a Veteran Day!🥰🥰🥰

Happy 4th of July!

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