Where is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a grave memorial dedicated to unidentified soldiers who have died in combat and have no known remains. The tomb is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States, and is one of the most revered and visited military memorials in the world.
A Brief History
The concept of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier dates back to World War I, when the idea of honoring unknown soldiers gained popularity. In 1921, the United States government decided to bring an unknown American soldier back to the country and bury him with full military honors. The tomb was built on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, and the first unknown soldier was interred on November 11, 1921.
Location
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery, directly in front of the Memorial Amphitheater. The cemetery is situated in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
Description
The tomb is a simple, white marble sarcophagus with a bronze inscription plate. The plate bears the inscription: "Here rests in honored glory an American warrior known but to God." The tomb is surrounded by a granite base and is guarded 24/7 by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard."
Unknown Soldiers
The tomb holds the remains of four unknown soldiers:
- World War I: The first unknown soldier was interred on November 11, 1921.
- World War II: The second unknown soldier was interred on May 30, 1958.
- Korean War: The third unknown soldier was interred on May 30, 1958.
- Vietnam War: The fourth and final unknown soldier was interred on May 28, 1984.
Burial Ceremony
The burial ceremony for the unknown soldiers is a solemn and formal affair. The ceremony includes:
- Guard of Honor: A detachment of soldiers from the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, dressed in full military regalia, stands guard around the tomb.
- Mournful Music: A bugler plays Taps, a traditional military funeral dirge.
- Rifles: The guard presents arms in a salute to the unknown soldier.
- 21-Gun Salute: A 21-gun salute is fired by the United States Army Band.
- Flower Wreath: A wreath is placed on the tomb by the President of the United States or a high-ranking military officer.
Visiting the Tomb
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is open to the public 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place every 30 minutes during the day. The cemetery is also open to the public, and visitors can explore the grounds and visit other notable graves and memorials.
Interesting Facts
- Tomb’s Weight: The tomb weighs over 6,000 pounds and is made of white marble.
- Guard’s Watch: The guards at the tomb are required to stand watch for 30 minutes, then take a 30-minute break. They can only leave the tomb if they are relieved by another guard.
- Visitor Statistics: Over 1 million people visit the tomb each year.
- Weather Conditions: The tomb is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of respect and gratitude for the unknown soldiers who have given their lives in service to their country. Located in Arlington National Cemetery, the tomb is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in military history and the sacrifices made by those who have served.
