The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Symbol of Honor and Respect
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred site in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, where the remains of an unidentified American soldier from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are buried. The tomb is guarded 24/7 by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard," in a ceremony that has been ongoing since 1937. But why is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guarded?
Why is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guarded?
The tomb is guarded to honor and respect the unknown soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of the sacrifices made by millions of Americans who have died in battle, and the guard duty is a way to show appreciation for their ultimate sacrifice.
A Symbol of National Pride
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of national pride, and the guard duty is a way to ensure that the tomb is protected and respected. The tomb is a sacred site, and the guard duty is a way to show that the country is committed to honoring the unknown soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country.
A Tradition of Honor
The guard duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a tradition that dates back to 1937, when the first unknown soldier was interred. The guard duty is a way to show respect and honor to the unknown soldiers, and it is a tradition that is continued to this day.
Who are the Unknown Soldiers?
The unknown soldiers are unidentified American soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. The soldiers are chosen because they were killed in action and their remains were not identified, making it impossible to identify them.
The Selection Process
The selection process for the unknown soldiers is a rigorous one. The process involves reviewing the remains of soldiers who were killed in action and whose remains were not identified. The remains are then exhumed and subjected to extensive DNA testing and other scientific methods to determine their identity.
The Tomb’s History
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was originally designed to honor the unknown soldiers of World War I. However, the tomb was later expanded to include unknown soldiers from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The Guard Duty
The guard duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 24/7 operation. The guards are from the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, and they are trained to perform the guard duty with precision and honor.
Responsibilities
The guards have several responsibilities, including:
- Standing watch over the tomb
- Changing the flag that flies over the tomb
- Conducting the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Performing the funeral honors for unknown soldiers
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a solemn and dignified ceremony that takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony involves the transfer of responsibility from one guard to another, and it is a symbol of the continuity of the guard duty.
Table: The Guard Duty
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | New guard arrives and takes over from the previous guard |
| 1:00 AM | Flag is changed and the guard reports to the commander |
| 6:00 AM | Morning inspection of the guard |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch break |
| 3:00 PM | Afternoon inspection of the guard |
| 6:00 PM | Evening inspection of the guard |
| 12:00 AM | New guard arrives and takes over from the previous guard |
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred site that is guarded 24/7 by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment. The guard duty is a tradition that dates back to 1937, and it is a way to show respect and honor to the unknown soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. The guard duty is a symbol of national pride, and it is a way to ensure that the tomb is protected and respected.
