The Patriots That Guard The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
The soldiers that guard The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier do so 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather, including during hurricane Isabella that hit Washington DC in 2003. The guards were given permissen to suspend their watch but refused and, soaked to the skin, guarded the tomb in hailing wind and rain.
It is an ascetic life. The guards live in a barracks underneath the tomb and must take an oath to give up alcohol and swearing for the rest of their lives. For the first six months of their assignment, they spend their entire off hours memorizing information about the Tomb. They must have a waist no larger than 30 inches. Truly, these men serve something more than themselves.
But, even on Memorial Day, one must wonder why none of the guards are women?
Actually, if you check the honor guard web site, it states that both men and women are guards.