Flag Day is Observed on June
Retiring of the flags is sponsored by the American Legion, Post 54
Please bring your flags to be retired by the end of May
The Drop Box is located in front of the building. Please walk in if the gates are closed.
Guidelines for Displaying a flag
Society of the Honor Guard
Tomb to the Unknown Soldiers
1. How many steps does the guard take during his 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 to any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about-face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1.
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on his shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about-face and moves 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, he must be between 5′ 10′ and 6′ 2′ tall, and his waist size cannot exceed 30.
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 for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives 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 400 presently worn. The guard must obey
these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
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 a 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.
During the first six months of duty, a guard cannot talk to anyone or 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 Lewis {the boxer} Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his 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 in 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 service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
At Hill & Ponton, our core purpose is to assist veterans in obtaining the disability compensation they deserve. Additionally, we are dedicated to educating and increasing awareness about their daily challenges, including mental and physical health issues.
This is why we’ve developed several helpful resources that I believe could complement your existing list:
- PTSD Guide (www.hillandponton.com/introduction-ptsd-guide/) – a comprehensive resource tailored to assist veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Research Mental Health Survey (https://www.hillandponton.com/veterans-mental-healthcare-treatment-research/) – insights into veterans’ experiences with mental health treatment and identify factors influencing their access to care.
- Toxic Exposure Map (www.hillandponton.com/toxic-exposure/) – a helpful tool designed to help veterans navigate potential exposure risks.
- Blue Water Navy Map (www.hillandponton.com/blue-water-navy-vietnam-map/) – an interactive Vietnam map for navigating exposure to Agent Orange.
aMesothelioma VA Claims Guide Provided by Jacob Bryant
Medical alert systems guide Provided by: Judith Smith
Allied Universal Security Service: Provided by Khtana Kam-Souza
Intelligent-On line Colleges for Veteran: Provided by Victoria Roberts, Advisor
Intelligent.com
 |
Provided by Luke Daniels, Outreach Director |
Metsohtelioma.net
Mission: To provide veterans with the very best treatment information, financial aid, 24/7 online support, and much more. Visit us at Veterans and Mesothelioma
Proud sponsor of American Cancer Society, MD Cancer Center, and Make a Wish Foundation
Jessica Fisher
Outreach Coordinator