Stop in for a cup of coffee

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Mopar Tim said:
On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was: “How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknown?”
All three missed it.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his
walk across the Tomb of the Unknown 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 does he wait after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as above.
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 the 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.' 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 for the rest of their lives.
They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} 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 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 recipient Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} 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 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 forwarded, 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
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Tim and I were there together. @Mopar Tim
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MOPARMITCH said:
My Mom and Dad are both at Arlington National Cemetery. And so are Tims relatives.
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Very cool. I argued with myself over hitting the like button as it seems a bit macabre. But in the end to be at that hallowed sacred ground is an honor. With our entire family being military the generation above and below us including my wife (Air Force) Arlington means something to us. Semper Fi
 
Sublime one said:
Very cool. I argued with myself over hitting the like button as it seems a bit macabre. But in the end to be at that hallowed sacred ground is an honor. With our entire family being military the generation above and below us including my wife (Air Force) Arlington means something to us. Semper Fi
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I am about 40 mins away to my house from Arlington. I go there at least once a year now. When my Mom was still alive, I would take her twice a year. On his Birthday and resting day. She wouldn't drive downtown through Washington DC on her own. R.I.P. Mom and Dad.....
 
MOPARMITCH said:
I haven't seen any Wagoneers in person but I do know they were here. There's a whole series of Viet YouTube videos that show different cities in VN prior to 1975. Slide show with old Viet music. Have seen the Wagoneers in those vids.
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One of my favs there Mitch. :thumbsup:
Ever since I can remember, I always get all choked up when I pass a National Cemetary. San Diego, Riverside, LA, Bakersfield, I get misty every time. Arlington would probably reduce me to a blubbering mess.
 
71GSSDemon said:
How goes it everyone? Have I missed anything?
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Been gone most of the day. A distillery a hour drive south is giving chances to buy a barrel strength bottle of their bourbon but you have to come to the distillery to register. Ted and I cruised south had a 4 flite whisky tasting and a dynomite smoked brisket pizza for lunch.

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In the morning, the funeral home is gonna bring the hearse by the farm for one final time before burial. So we lined everything up down the road.

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Thanks all. The void here is huge. I find a little solace in the fact that he called me and I was the last he talked to minutes before he passed but at the same time, I’m feeling a bit guilty for not being able to get him help fast enough to save him. I know I did what I could being trapped in the hospital myself but it’s still getting to me
 
halifaxhops said:
Chris do not blame yourself it is a cycle we cannot change.
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I know. Thanks Ray.

I will say this, he went out where he wanted too. On his farm, that he built from scratch, in his house that he built with his own two hands and the help of his friends, in his favorite chair wearing his favorite town outfit and hat.
My grandmother, his wife, passed a year ago on April 20,2020, he passed within a year. They married in April of 1964 and never were apart for a single anniversary.
 
halifaxhops said:
Thats also a biggie loosing your spouse, no more desire to live.
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I don’t think that, but I do think he knew something was up based on some moves he made recently that we weren’t aware of at the time.

but one thing that hit me yesterday. I was contemplating selling my dart out in pieces. Then it hit me that he helped me just 3 days before passing, weld my rockers on, and two months ago, he helped me assemble that 440. So I will be keeping the dart
 
Chris......This all tugs at my heart. I know life goes on and I bet your Grand Pap would want you to hold up your head and March forward. Prayers for you buddy
 
Morning!
32 and may break 40 today. Nothing booked,so will give the Fargo a once over, check on some nuts and bolts.
 
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