21 Steps

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A member of the U.S. Army Honor Guard, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
paces in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington,
Va., Dec. 14, 2013. The Soldiers assigned to The Old Guard have continuously guarded
the tomb since 1948. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kristina Truluck/Released


The sentinel marches 21 steps across the black mat, past the final resting places of the
Tomb of the Unknowns.  With a crisp turn, the sentinel turns 90 degrees to face east for
21 seconds. The sentinel then turns a sharp 90 degrees again to face north for 21 seconds. 
A crisp "shoulder-arms" movement places the rifle on the shoulder nearest the visitors to
signify that the sentinel stands between the tomb and any threat. After the moment, the
sentinel paces 21 steps north, turns and repeats the process.



My military imagery is available for public domain. As the photographer, I don't have control over
how you may use it, but I ask that it be done with respect to the individuals represented here.