When was the tomb of the unknown soldier built?

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Monument to Unwavering Patriotism

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most revered and iconic landmarks in Washington D.C., standing as a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of millions of American soldiers who have died in combat. But when was this solemn monument built? In this article, we will delve into the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and explore the significance of this hallowed ground.

When was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier built?

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was built in 1921, but the idea of honoring the unknown soldiers of World War I dates back to the early years of the war. November 11, 1920, marked the first anniversary of the Armistice, and it was on this day that the concept of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was born.

The Initial Efforts

In the spring of 1921, the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) was established by Congress to oversee the planning and construction of the tomb. The ABMC, led by General John J. Pershing, worked closely with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) to identify the remains of American soldiers who had died in combat.

The Identification Process

The identification process was a meticulous and complex task. Between March and August 1921, a team of American and French pathologists, led by Dr. Eugene Anderson, exhumed the remains of over 100,000 unknown soldiers from French cemeteries and battlefields. The team carefully examined the remains, searching for any distinguishing features that could identify the soldiers.

The Selection Process

From the over 100,000 exhumed remains, four sets of remains were selected for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Two sets were chosen from American cemeteries in France, one from a British cemetery in France, and one from an Italian cemetery in Italy.

The Tomb’s Construction

The construction of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier began on November 11, 1920, with the laying of the cornerstone. The tomb was designed by Thomas Hastings, a renowned American architect, and was built using Marble of Montauk, a type of white marble found only in Montauk, New York.

The Dedication Ceremony

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated on November 11, 1921, in a ceremony attended by President Warren G. Harding and other high-ranking government officials. The ceremony was marked by 21 minutes of silence, a nod to the 21-gun salute, and a flyover by 21 biplanes.

The Unknown Soldiers

The remains of the four unknown soldiers were buried in the tomb on November 11, 1921. The soldiers were identified only by their ranks: Private, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Corporal.

The Later Additions

In 1956, the remains of the unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were added to the tomb. In 1984, the remains of the unknown soldier from the Vietnam War were also interred in the tomb.

The Guardians of the Tomb

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by Sentinels from the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard." The Sentinels have been performing their duties since 1926.

Conclusion

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by millions of American soldiers who have died in combat. The tomb’s history is a testament to the unwavering patriotism and dedication of those who have served our country. Whether you are a veteran or a civilian, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a place of reverence and reflection, a place to honor the unknown soldiers who have given their last full measure of devotion.

Table: The Unknown Soldiers

Timeline: The Construction of the Tomb