The Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in any weather by Tomb Guard sentinels. Sentinels, all volunteers, are considered to be the best of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer, Va. Changing of the Guard. After members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry become ceremonially qualified, they are eligible to volunteer for duty as sentinels at the Tomb. If accepted, they are assigned to Company E of The Old Guard. Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall, with a proportionate weight and build. " (The above two paragraphs extracted from "Arlington National Cemetery "Ceremonies" web page. You can read the complete article by clicking here.)
Google Video embedded link: Changing of the Guard, Tomb Of The Unknowns, Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. (There are quite a few different videos on Google and u-Tube from many different people. This one is fairly good, but you may want to check out some of the others which have been filmed from different angles and locations.
This one was filmed from the back side toward the audience from the guard entrance and inspection area.
And this last one has a really good close up view of the rifle inspection of the new guard.
Since I am in this Old Guard kick at the moment, might as well also link to a extremely good performance by the Old Guard Drum and Fife Corps at the Virginia 2007 International Tattoo
Further information about the "Old Guard" 3rd United States Infantry.
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