The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Symbol of Eternal Remembrance
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States, dedicated to the unidentified remains of American service members who have died in combat. The tomb was created to honor the sacrifices of these brave men and women who gave their lives in service to their country, but whose identities remain unknown. In this article, we will explore the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, from its inception to the present day.
When was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier made?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was first dedicated on November 11, 1921, to honor the unidentified remains of American service members who died in World War I. The tomb was designed by architect Lorimer Rich and was constructed by the Thomas McDonald Company. The original tomb was made of white marble and featured a large stone pedestal with a bronze statue of a soldier in the center.
Background and History
The concept of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier dates back to the end of World War I, when the remains of many American service members were left unidentified on foreign soil. In 1921, the United States government decided to bring back the remains of these unidentified soldiers and bury them with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
The First Tomb
The first Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated on November 11, 1921, and was made of white marble. The tomb was designed by architect Lorimer Rich and was constructed by the Thomas McDonald Company. The tomb featured a large stone pedestal with a bronze statue of a soldier in the center. The statue was designed by sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones and depicted a soldier in a prone position, with his face turned towards the heavens.
The Unknown Soldiers
The first three Unknown Soldiers were interred in the tomb on November 11, 1921. They were:
- Unknown Soldier of World War I: The remains of an American service member who died in combat in France during World War I.
- Unknown Soldier of the American Revolutionary War: The remains of an American service member who died in combat during the American Revolutionary War.
- Unknown Soldier of the War of 1812: The remains of an American service member who died in combat during the War of 1812.
The Current Tomb
In 1958, the original tomb was replaced with a new one made of black marble. The new tomb was designed by architect Philip Bossung and was constructed by the F.W. Beck Company. The current tomb features a simple black marble monument with a bronze plaque at the base, bearing the inscription: "Here rests in honored glory an American warrior known but to God."
The Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War
In 1984, the remains of an American service member who died in combat during the Vietnam War were added to the tomb. The remains were identified as those of Air Force First Lieutenant Michael Blassie, who was shot down over France in 1944. However, in 1998, DNA testing revealed that the remains were not those of Michael Blassie, and the remains were subsequently re-interred in a separate grave.
The Unknown Soldier of the Korean War
In 1998, the remains of an American service member who died in combat during the Korean War were added to the tomb. The remains were identified as those of Marine Corps Sergeant Milton L. Olive III, who was killed in action in Korea in 1950.
The Unknown Soldier of World War II
In 2020, the remains of an American service member who died in combat during World War II were added to the tomb. The remains were identified as those of Army Air Forces First Lieutenant Frank Saburro, who was shot down over Germany in 1944.
Ceremonies and Honors
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard." The tomb is also the site of various ceremonies and honors, including the annual Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every hour on the hour.
Table: The Unknown Soldiers
| Year | Conflict | Service Member | Interred |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | World War I | Unknown | Yes |
| 1921 | American Revolutionary War | Unknown | Yes |
| 1921 | War of 1812 | Unknown | Yes |
| 1984 | Vietnam War | Michael Blassie | No |
| 1998 | Korean War | Milton L. Olive III | Yes |
| 2020 | World War II | Frank Saburro | Yes |
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of eternal remembrance, honoring the sacrifices of American service members who have died in combat, but whose identities remain unknown. From its inception in 1921 to the present day, the tomb has been the site of various ceremonies and honors, and continues to be guarded 24 hours a day by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment. The tomb serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who have served their country, and is a symbol of the enduring gratitude of the American people.
