Tomb Of The Unkown Soldier

Introduction to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monumental grave situated in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, United States. It stands as a symbol of respect and gratitude for the unidentified remains of American service members who have died in combat. The tomb has been the final resting place for unknown soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every 30 minutes during the day, is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world.

History of the Tomb

The concept of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier originated in 1916, when a British chaplain proposed a burial for an unknown soldier in Westminster Abbey. The United States adopted this idea and, on November 11, 1921, the first unknown soldier from World War I was interred in Arlington National Cemetery. The tomb was initially a simple marble sarcophagus, but it was later replaced with the current monument in 1931. The new tomb was designed by architect Lorimer Rich and sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones.

Design and Features

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is made of Yule marble from Colorado and features six doric columns that support a flat entablature. The east face of the tomb bears the inscription “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” The west face is inscribed with “Unknowns from World War II and the Korean War.” The north and south faces feature the seal of the United States and the emblems of the five branches of the military. The tomb is surrounded by a flat plaza made of black granite and is lined with bench-style seating for visitors.

Eligibility and Selection

To be eligible for interment in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a service member must have died in combat and remain unidentified. The selection process involves a thorough examination of the remains and personal effects to determine if the individual can be identified. If the remains are deemed unidentifiable, they are then considered for interment in the tomb. The selection process is rigorous, and only a small number of unknown soldiers have been interred in the tomb since its inception.

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a highly choreographed event that takes place every 30 minutes during the day. The ceremony is performed by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard.” The ceremony involves a precise exchange of guards, with the new guard approaching the tomb and assuming the position of attention. The old guard then departs, and the new guard begins the vigil. The ceremony is a moving tribute to the unknown soldiers and is a popular event among visitors to Arlington National Cemetery.

Table of Unknown Soldiers

War	Number of Unknowns
World War I	1
World War II	2
Korean War	2
Vietnam War	1

🕊️ Note: The remains of the unknown soldier from the Vietnam War were later identified through DNA analysis and removed from the tomb in 1998.

Visiting the Tomb

Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery can view the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The cemetery is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm from October to March and from 8 am to 7 pm from April to September. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the cemetery, which includes a stop at the tomb.

In the end, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members and their families. It is a symbol of respect and gratitude for the unknown soldiers who have died in combat, and it continues to be an important part of American history and culture.