Reagan in State: Why is the sailor/marine in white so far from the casket?

Factual Questions
1

I’m watching the ceremony now. VP Cheney just spoke. Every now and then the TV cuts to an overhead shot. The casket is surrounded by military men from all the branches. The sailor (marine?) in white is standing a good six feet away. The others are much closer. Any reason why?

2

I don’t know, but if he’s not supposed to be doing it then he’s going to get soooo yelled at when his shift is over.

Fascinating ceremony. I never had much use for Nancy when she was FL but I feel terrible for her now. And it was beautiful to watch, even if (see the Pit) CNN screwed up the F-15s.

3

Just a WAG, but maybe this is a variation on the “missing man” flying formation?

4

I saw this in a WP article: