Wonder why they don’t still carry M1 Garands then, or the M1903, as in years past. No external magazines to get in the way.
Wonder why they don’t still carry M1 Garands then, or the M1903, as in years past. No external magazines to get in the way.
They are unloaded. Charging the weapon as stated and locking the bolt is part of the inspection process before each guard change. I have personally witnessed 4 complete guard changes there. It is an awesome sight. When it rains, Tomb Sentinels have the option of standing their watch under a green tent located to the side of the tomb where they usually remain during wreath-laying ceremonies at the tomb. They remain at their posts rain, snow or shine and extreme weather is not a concern. They remained at their posts during Hurricanes Isabel and Irene as well as the 2010 blizzard, nicknamed "Snowmaggedon", that shut down the capital for days. They call it "walking the mat."
It appears to be a lot of shoe leather left in the path's that they walk and have been walking for years.
Kiwi. It has melted onto the mat and the concrete. Note the two dark spots at the bottom left of the mat. Those two areas are where every inspection of the guard has been for decades. Note also the parallel and right angle lines next to the mat. That is where the changed guard and Sgt of the guard walk. The right angle lines from the north end of the mat to the guard house top right is where they walk to their guard house.
The area t the bottom left is where they come out of. The Sgt of the guard comes out first, salutes the tomb, then addresses the crowd.
He then salutes the tomb again then turns to the newly presented guard, walks up to him and performs the inspection.
If you ever get to Arlington, this is a must see.
The area t the bottom left is where they come out of. The Sgt of the guard comes out first, salutes the tomb, then addresses the crowd.
He then salutes the tomb again then turns to the newly presented guard, walks up to him and performs the inspection.
If you ever get to Arlington, this is a must see.
As a side note, Google other country's guard changing ceremonies.
