Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
In many wars, large numbers of soldiers have died without their remains being identified. The symbolic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represents the grave of those unidentified soldiers. It is considered a high honor to serve as a guard for the grave of the unknown. The sentinels do not wear rank insignia so as not to outrank the unknowns, whatever their rank may be. The guards must keep a ritual as they watch over the graves. The soldier walks 21 steps across the tomb alluding the 21 gun salute. His or her weapon is always on the shoulder opposite the Tomb. On the 21st step the soldier turns and faces the tomb for 21 seconds. The soldier then turns to face the other way across the Tomb and changes his or her weapon to the outside soldier. After the 21 seconds, the first step is repeated. This is repeated until the changing of the Guard which occurs during the summer months every half hour and every hour during the winter months.
