Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun!
I am very proud of all those that are serving in the Armed Forces to protect our rights - I come from a long line of military service - from Grandparents, uncles, dad, brother, and now my son - I'm proud of them all. The thought of what many of those servicemen (and women also) have given up in order to protect those rights keeps me humble.
2. Where is the catch-all (aka dumping ground) in your house?
The computer desks seem to always be cluttered, no matter how many times I clean them.
3. Do you make it a point to visit State/National Parks when you travel or even in your own hometown? What's your favorite?
Haven't been to many State Parks but I do enjoy them. The Smokey Mts. or even the Blueridge Parkway would be my favorites of the ones I have been to.
4. How would you define honor?
To honor would be to show respect for, to put on a pedestal, reverence.... It is a great honor to be a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where we honor those that have fallen. Those chosen to serve in this way lead honorable lives, for the rest of their lives. - Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard"
Q: How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
A: 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
Q: How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
A: 21 seconds, for the same reason as answer number 1.
Q: Why are his gloves wet?
A: His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
Q: Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not?
A: No, he carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
Q: How often are the guards changed?
A: Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
Q: What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
A: For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30".
Other requirements of the Guard:
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.
After TWO YEARS, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first SIX MONTHS of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends FIVE HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
5. Angel's food or Devil's food-which cake do you prefer?
Devil's Food
6. What's the most recent road trip you've taken? Where did you go and how many hours did you spend in the car? Do you like to zoom to your destination without stopping or leisurely wind your way there with stops along the way? What is your car snack of choice?
Can't remember the last road trip I took - probably last summer with my daughter when we went down home (VA) - we always drive straight through and car snack - COFFEE! - ok not really a snack but all I need!
7. Recent headlines told how a preschool child in NC had their packed lunch from home taken away and a school lunch substituted by a school inspector who deemed the homemade lunch unhealthy. Reportedly the parent was then billed for the school lunch (chicken nugget meal) although an update to the story says the parent was not billed. The inspector was conducting a routine inspection of the classroom-he/she was not there solely to peek in the lunchboxes. The packed lunch contained a turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple juice box, a bag of chips, and a banana. You can read the story here. Your thoughts?
I read the story and it made me mad - just what was wrong with the lunch? Was it just because it didn't have milk? I personally do not drink milk - never have!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Still no grandbaby! I think he's going to wait till the last minute before he decides to put in his appearance!
Still no grandbaby! I think he's going to wait till the last minute before he decides to put in his appearance!
