The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States. It is a symbol of respect and honor for the soldiers who fought for their country and made the ultimate sacrifice, but whose identities remain unknown.
The tomb was first established in 1921 to honor the unknown soldiers who died in World War I. Later, tombs were added for unknown soldiers from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. However, the body representing Vietnam was later exhumed and identified as Lt. Michael Blassie.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is made of seven large marble panels, collectively weighing 79 tons. On one side of the tomb, there is a relief of three Greek figures representing Peace, Valor, and Victory. On the other side, there are six inverted wreaths, each representing a major campaign from World War I.
The tomb is guarded by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard. The soldiers who guard the tomb are highly trained and must meet strict requirements. They must commit to two years of guarding the tomb and live in a barracks under the tomb. They are not allowed to drink alcohol on or off duty, swear in public, or disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
The changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a highly respected tradition. It takes place every hour on the hour from October through March and every half hour from April through September. The ceremony involves a soldier from The Old Guard marching 21 steps down the black mat, stopping for 21 seconds, and then marching 21 steps back. The number 21 represents the highest military honor, the 21-gun salute.
Arlington National Cemetery is also home to individual Civil War unknown burials, as well as the remains of 2,111 Union and Confederate soldiers buried beneath the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns. It is estimated that nearly half of the Civil War dead were never identified.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by soldiers throughout history. It is a reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of honoring those who have given their lives for their country.
Number of Bodies in Tomb of Unknown Soldiers
There are a total of three bodies buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. One each for World War I, World War II, and Korea. However, the body originally buried on behalf of soldiers in Vietnam was later exhumed after DNA testing helped identify the body as Lt. Michael Blassie. Therefore, there are currently three unidentified bodies buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Facts About the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Here are three facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
1. The Tomb was constructed in 1931 using seven large marble panels weighing a total of 79 tons. These panels were carefully selected to convey a sense of solemnity and dignity befitting the unknown soldiers interred there.
2. The Tomb features a number of striking artistic elements, including a relief on one side depicting three Greek figures symbolizing Peace, Valor, and Victory, and six inverted wreaths on the other side representing major campaigns of World War I. These elements were designed to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces.
3. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a place of profound significance for many people, particularly those who have lost loved ones in military service. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that have been made to protect our freedoms and way of life, and as a symbol of the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit.
The Presence of a Soldier in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
There are remains of 2,111 Union and Confederate soldiers buried beneath the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This tomb was established in 1866 to honor the sacrifices of soldiers who died in the Civil War but whose remains could not be identified. It is also the location of individual unknown burials from the same war. It is estimated that nearly half of the Civil War dead were never identified. Therefore, the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns serves as a symbolic resting place for all the unknown soldiers who died in the Civil War.
Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Rules and Regulations
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument in Arlington National Cemetery that honors the unidentified American soldiers who died in service. The Guard who stands watch over the tomb follows a strict set of rules and regulations. Here are the rules for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
1. The Guard must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb.
2. The Guard must live in a barracks under the tomb.
3. The Guard cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.
4. The Guard cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives.
5. The Guard cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.
Additionally, the Guard must follow a specific routine while on duty. They march 21 steps down the black mat, turn, face east for 21 seconds, turn and face north for 21 seconds, then take 21 steps back down the mat. They repeat this process continuously for one hour during daylight hours. After each hour, they perform a ceremonial changing of the guard.
The Guard who stands watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier follows a strict set of rules and regulations. They commit two years of their lives to this duty, live in a barracks under the tomb, and must adhere to a code of behavior that includes not drinking alcohol or swearing in public. They also follow a specific routine while on duty, which includes a ceremonial changing of the guard every hour.
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers who have given their lives in service to their country. It serves as a reminder of the high cost of war and the importance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The tomb is a solemn and dignified place, meticulously guarded by the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard. The dedication and discipline of those soldiers ensure that the memory of the unknown soldiers is preserved for future generations. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of those who serve in the armed forces, and it will continue to be a place of reverence and honor for many years to come.
