Utmost respect, discipline and highest rank among guard. representation of four wars USA faced.

tomb of the unknown soldier is basically a representation of solider died in WW1, WWII, Vietnam and the Korean War. one of a soldier from each war chosen and buried here. this tomb has been guarded 24x7x365, no matter what whatever the weather conditions are. changing of guard ceremony is main attraction (happens at every 30 minutes) here when next guard comes for duty, and again, they perform this in every weather, even in a storm. witnessing this ceremony is a feeling which cannot be described in words.

On the other side of the monument, is a large open amphitheater.

being a guard here is most challenging. one has to go through the intense training period and tougher than any training. Although military members are known for their neat uniforms, it’s said that the Tomb Guards have the highest standards of them all. A knowledge test quizzes applicant on their memorization—including punctuation—of 35 pages on the history of the Tomb. Once they’re selected, Guards “walk the mat” in front of the Tomb for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the time of year and time of day. They work in 24-hour shifts, however, and when they aren’t walking the mat, they’re in the living quarters beneath it.

The Tomb Guard badge is the least awarded badge in the Army, and the second least awarded badge in the overall military. (The first is the astronaut badge.) Tomb Guards are held to the highest standards of behavior and can have their badge taken away for any action on or off duty that could bring disrespect to the Tomb. it seems that Tomb Guards are rarely female—only three women have held the post.

Everything the guards do is a series of 21, which alludes to the 21-gun salute. The Sentinel does not execute an about face, rather they stop on the 21st step, then turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds. They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the outside shoulder, mentally count off 21 seconds, then step off for another 21 steps walk down the mat. They face the Tomb at each end of the 21 steps walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until the Guard Change ceremony begins.

You can see the spots formed by their walking on solid concrete floor and mat and you ll be amazed to see their footfall at the exact place every time. it is 20 minutes’ walk from the visitor center. go along the way, and you can find JFK graveyards and go ahead, you ll find this. there are trolleys also running for the visitor but it's not free.