Scouters Minute ~ Tomb of Unknown Soldier ~ Cubmaster Minute ~ Loyal

SCOUTER'S MINUTE
We know that a Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation. To end tonight, I want to focus on being loyal to his nation. One of the greatest examples of loyalty to nation can be witnessed in a cemetery.

Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God

This inscription is found on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb Guards are so loyal that there has been a guard there every minute, of every day since July 1st, 1937. This includes during times of war, the September 11th attacks, and natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy. All precautions are taken to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.

Each move made during the changing of the guard and during their “walk” is very specific, choreographed, and done in respect for those they are guarding. The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute. Depending on the time of year, the guard is changed every 30 or 60 minutes.

The soldiers who are serve as sentinels for the Tomb, display loyalty in a way that, although we do not ask our Scouts to replicate, they can still emulate by showing loyalty to our country through respectful and well executed flag ceremonies and other events that honor our nation.