Spiritual Poetry posted November 7, 2018 |
Old Guard Soldier Guards the Tomb
Honoring our missing warriors 5-7-5
by Mark D. R.
|
Recognized |
The Tomb Guard marches 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. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.
"Taps" is a bugle call played at dusk, during flag ceremonies, and at military funerals.
Every Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier relates to the meaning of Taps. Not a day goes by that Taps is not played. The call even echoes throughout the Arlington National Cemetery from the Memorial Amphitheater each and every night. (Sources include Wikipedia or internet searches.)
IMHO the snowy scene adds a silent solemnity to this soldier's measured walk.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. "Taps" is a bugle call played at dusk, during flag ceremonies, and at military funerals.
Every Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier relates to the meaning of Taps. Not a day goes by that Taps is not played. The call even echoes throughout the Arlington National Cemetery from the Memorial Amphitheater each and every night. (Sources include Wikipedia or internet searches.)
IMHO the snowy scene adds a silent solemnity to this soldier's measured walk.
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