A US Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a group of his senior advisers Wednesday after some in the group laughed and talked near the solemn memorial following a Veterans Day ceremony.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the sentinel called out, stopping his patrol to face the group as they departed.
Jerk didn’t even seem to care. I bet he turns around and tries to get the Sentinel reprimanded.
Its 100% honour position so there aren’t any promotions. Its very strict position sort of like the guards of Buckingham palace. There’s been a 24/7 watch there for years and the changing of the guard at the tomb is cool to watch if you’ve never seen it. Very precise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4utXb3auOew
(As far as has ever been reported, there’s been a guard posted there uninterrupted for the past 89 years. It’s hard to express how seriously people take this one.)
Looks like it, ya. The ceremony is full of symbolism too. Here is just an exerpt I found on it:
“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.) Next, the Sentinel executes a sharp “shoulder-arms” movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.”
https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/explore/changing-of-the-guard