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Introduction
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery is a poignant symbol of honor, sacrifice, and remembrance. This revered monument pays tribute to the unidentified soldiers who perished in battle, representing not just the United States but also other nations who have fought alongside us. In this detailed, long-form blog post, we’ll delve into the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its significance as an enduring tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
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The Inception: Honoring the Unidentified Fallen
The idea for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the United States originated after World War I when countries like France and the United Kingdom established similar monuments to honor their unidentified war dead. On March 4, 1921, the U.S. Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, ensuring that the sacrifice of those whose identities were lost in the fog of war would not be forgotten.
The First Unknown Soldier: Interment and Dedication
On Memorial Day, May 30, 1921, four unknown soldiers were exhumed from four World War I American cemeteries in France. U.S. Army Sgt. Edward F. Younger, a highly decorated veteran, was given the task of selecting the Unknown Soldier. Younger placed a spray of white roses on one of the caskets, signifying his choice. The chosen Unknown Soldier was transported to the United States aboard the USS Olympia and arrived in Washington, D.C., on November 9, 1921.
On November 11, 1921, the casket of the Unknown Soldier was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in a solemn ceremony presided over by President Warren G. Harding. The marble tomb, designed by architect Lorimer Rich and sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, was completed in 1932, featuring a neoclassical design with three inscribed figures representing Peace, Valor, and Victory.
The Unknown Soldiers of World War II and the Korean War
In 1958, the decision was made to honor the unidentified fallen from World War II and the Korean War. Two unknown soldiers, one from each conflict, were selected and interred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on May 30, 1958, in a ceremony overseen by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War
The unidentified remains of a soldier from the Vietnam War were interred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on May 28, 1984, in a ceremony led by President Ronald Reagan. However, due to advances in DNA technology, the remains were identified in 1998 as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie. Blassie’s remains were returned to his family, and the crypt designated for the Vietnam Unknown now remains empty, with the inscription “Honoring and Keeping Faith with America’s Missing Servicemen.”
The Tomb Guard Sentinels: A Legacy of Dedication
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded continuously since July 2, 1937, by the Tomb Guard Sentinels from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard.” The changing of the guard is a meticulously choreographed ritual that draws visitors from around the world. The Sentinels hold the highest standards of honor, commitment, and vigilance in their sacred duty to protect the Tomb and its unknown occupants.
The history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery is a testament to the sacrifices made by countless service members whose identities may never be known. This enduring monument serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the importance of remembering those who have laid down their lives for their country.
Commemorative Events and Traditions
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has become a central part of many commemorative events and traditions in the United States. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the President or another high-ranking official typically lays a wreath at the Tomb, honoring the fallen and their families. The Tomb has also been the site of countless personal tributes, with visitors paying their respects and leaving tokens of gratitude for the Unknown Soldiers.
The Tomb’s Enduring Legacy and Impact
Over the years, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has become a symbol of national unity and shared sacrifice. Its presence at Arlington National Cemetery serves as a reminder of the countless men and women who have fought and died for their country, their identities forever unknown but their service never forgotten. As a nation, we are united in our respect and gratitude for these individuals and their families, and the Tomb stands as a lasting tribute to their courage and dedication.
Conclusion
The history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery is a story of honor, remembrance, and shared sacrifice. This hallowed monument represents the many service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, their names lost to history but their deeds forever honored. As we continue to pay our respects and remember the fallen, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remains a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the importance of never forgetting those who have served.
