Tomb of The Unknown Soldier

​🪖 The Tomb Guards & The Ritual

​The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather. The guards, known as Sentinels, are volunteers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard"). Becoming a Sentinel is incredibly difficult, and the badge they earn is one of the rarest in the U.S. military.

​The Uniform and Walk
​The Sentinels do not wear rank insignia, ensuring they do not outrank the Unknown Soldiers they are guarding. Their routine is a precise, repetitive sequence rooted in deep symbolism:

​21 Steps: The Sentinel takes exactly 21 steps across the black mat behind the Tomb (alluding to the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor).
​21 Seconds: After turning, the Sentinel faces north for 21 seconds, then turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds.
​The Weapon Shift: The Sentinel always carries their rifle on the shoulder away from the Tomb, signifying that they stand between the Unknowns and any potential threat.