Twenty-one steps they do take,
keeping vigil, the vow they make.
Twenty-one seconds, they make no sound
Day and night on this sacred ground.

Click and pause; click and pause.
They do this for the greater cause,
Honoring the brave beneath their feet
In the nights of cold and days of heat.

Back and forth they do go
Even in the rain, sleet and snow,
Carrying rifles every day.
Looking straight, their eyes don’t stray.

Uniforms pressed to the nines,
Their shoes they spit shine.
Men and women earn their place
To guard this very special space.

For two years they are there,
Keeping visitors from coming near.
Visitors come and visitors go,
And pay respect to those below.

To the unknown soldier we give our praise.
Especially for them the flag we raise
For their loved ones will never know
If they know someone below.

The heart and hand salute we give
To those who died so we can live.