Page 20
Before we know it we are back at the patio where we started. We
get off the tram and thank the bus driver for bringing us around.
We gather together on the patio to talk. “Alright, everyone
is here. We are going to walk to the tomb of the unknown
soldiers. We are going to stay for the changing of the guard.
Then we are going to get back on the tram for one last trip
around the grounds. We are going to the hotel after that to get
ready for the dance tonight” Mr. Wes briefs us on what our
agenda is. We start to walk to the tomb of the unknown soldiers.
The walk was longer than I anticipated. When we get there, we
take the first row of seats for the changing of the guard. I
start to watch the guard march back and forth on the strip of
blue carpet. He takes exactly 21 steps to get from side to the
other. He takes no more, no less. I am captivated by the neatness
and preciseness of every step, every turn, and every body
movement: so bold and deliberate. I love the way his uniform is
perfect in every way. I study everything about this guard. I am
so fascinated with the military and how perfect they are. I love
the uniforms’ sharpness. I love the uniformity of every
person. Most people don’t understand my awe for the
military and the people who serve our country. Ray notices that
that I am standing still, in this time and place, I am in a
deeper thought than I can ever think consciously. She shakes my
arm to revive me from my trance. “Hey cutie, come sit with
us” she pulls me over to where she and Claire are sitting.
I sit and talk to my friends. After a while people start to crowd
the seats around us. Then, all of the seats were filling up and
people start standing on either side of the seats. I am so
thankful that we were early. An announcer says, “Can
everyone rise and stay standing for the entire Changing of the
Guards!” everyone gets on their feet and watches as the
ceremony starts. I watch as two extra guards come to the blue
strip of carpet. I don’t know the exact movements that did,
but everything is perfectly precise. Eventually, there was a
different guard marching on the blue carpet. I study the new
guard as he marches up and down the strip. His gait is the same
as the man before.
