I read an interesting article this week about the rigorous demands made upon the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Applicants for guard duty at the Tomb must be between 5’ 10’ and 6’ 2’ tall; waist size cannot exceed 30 inches. They commit to two years; living in barracks under the Tomb.
They cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty, or swear in public for the rest of their lives; they vow to never disgrace the uniform or the Tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard receives a wreath lapel pin, signifying they served as guard of the Tomb; presently worn by only 400. They must obey these rules for life, or return the wreath pin.
There can be no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Every guard spends . ve hours daily getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
The . rst six months of duty, guards cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent memorizing where the 175 people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery are interred.
On duty, the guard walks exactly 21 steps forward, alluding to the 21-gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. He hesitates 21 seconds after his about-face to begin his return walk.
Guards change every thirty minutes, 24/7; year-round.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle approached Washington, DC, the US Senate/House took two days off to avoid the storm.
National news reported that soldiers assigned to guarding the Tomb were given permission to suspend their assignment.
They respectfully declined. They marched in the pelting rain of a dangerous storm, because they understood that guarding the Tomb is not just an assignment, it is the highest honor earned and conferred upon a service person.
In comparison, we have been given the greatest honor anyone can ever experience for all eternity—living in a daily, intimate relationship with the Creator and Lord of all that exists. How many—or few—are willing to follow the detailed instruction given in God's Word; to sacri. ce personal comfort and convenience to reach that level of excellence in relationship with Him?
Ephesians 5:15-16: Pay careful attention to how you walk— not as the unwise, but wisely—not wasting time, for the days are evil. Don’t get drunk with wine—that’s dissipation! Instead, be . lled with the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 9:25-27: Olympic athletes compete to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I (Paul) run carefully, not without aim. I do not box aimlessly, just beating the air; rather, I discipline my body, making it my slave, so that after I’ve preached to others, I will not be disquali. ed. 1 Timothy 6:13-14; Revelation 19:7-8: I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things…that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ…for the Lamb’s marriage has come; His bride has made herself ready. She has clothed herself in . ne linen, bright and clean the . ne linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
The stain and stench from the world systems that surround us can only be continually cleansed from us as we choose to treat our holy relationship with God as the greatest honor we can ever receive, and align our decisions accordingly. Sloppy, careless living dishonors God.
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