The soldiers that guard the Unknown Tomb are truly remarkable. The way that they dedicate their lives to this duty can easily be a lesson learned for the Christian. Here is some insight on the lives of these dedicated soldiers:

How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? 21 seconds for the same reason as above. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not? 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. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

Some of the requirements of the Guard are: They must commit 2 years of their life to guard the tomb, and live in a barracks under the tomb! They cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty, neither can they swear in public. Of utmost importance they cannot disgrace the uniform 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. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards spend an average of 5 hours a day preparing their uniforms!! Most of the off duty time is spent memorizing 7 pages of Arlington National Cemetery history and the locations of veterans graves. Can you even fathom such a thing? They memorize these things!! If only I could say that I had 7 pages of God's word memorized!!

The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since the 1930's, but in 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. The soldiers assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, 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. These soldiers willingly give up what some call "joys of life" so they can guard one of our nation's most cherished monuments. Think about it for a moment, nothing stops these soldiers from doing their job and doing it with their best ability, because they consider it an honor!! I believe there is a lesson there for us.

As Christians, are we willing to commit our lives and sacrifice "joys of life" because of the great honor of being called a child of God? Many times being one of God's people requires some kind of sacrifice. I am reminded of Luke

9:23 when Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him DENY HIMSELF and take up his cross DAILY." Consider the perception you have

of the Christian walk. Is it a burden or is it the highest honor? Eric