Why is the tomb of the unknown soldier-Arlington guarded 24/7?

It is the duty of the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the United States Army to serve as the Honor Guard at The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The 3rd Infantry Regiment is also known as the "Old Guard" and is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. €œThe Old Guard” has served as the official Army Honor Guard and escort to the President since World War II.

The duty of serving as the Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington is a matter of Respect for those who have given their full measure in the service of the country. The Honor Guard stands duty as a symbol of Respect and a constant reminder that We shall never forget the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives but their names are unknown to us. I believe the creed that Tomb Guards learn in training says it all.

The Sentinels Creed My dedication to this sacred duty is total and whole-hearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection.

Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect, his bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day, alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.

The "Old Guard" has the additional duties of serving as the Army's ceremonial unit and, as an active and well trained Infantry Regiment, is responsible for the protection of Washington, D.C. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IVJA_5e9Xg Sources: http://www.army.mil/info/organization/unitsandcommands/commandstructure/theoldguard/ http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/thirdinf.htm http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/tombofun.htm.

It is considered one of the highest honors to serve as a ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Sentinal is there to honor the deceased veteran(s) service to his country and to us all. In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC , our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm.

On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir! " Soaked to the skin,marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson.

The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

Because Americans like to waste tax dollars. It is a silly old fashioned tradition that brings tourists to come watch the changing of the guards. It started out not for respect for the dead but actually to protect from grave robbers, very common in the 1700s and through to the early 1900s, you could make out pretty good stealing remains of the dead.

There has been stories about ex presidents remains being stolen. Now it is all a big show. No real purpose other than a big waste of spending.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.