The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Symbol of Respect and Remembrance
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred monument located in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, United States. It is a symbol of respect and remembrance for the unidentified remains of American service members who have died in combat or as a result of wounds sustained in action. But the question remains: Who is buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The First Unknown Soldier
The first Unknown Soldier was buried on November 11, 1921, in a ceremony that was attended by President Warren G. Harding and other dignitaries. The remains were those of an American soldier who was killed in action during World War I. The soldier was identified as Private John F. Kelly, a 25-year-old soldier from Massachusetts who was killed in action on October 31, 1918, in France.
The Identification Process
The identification process for the Unknown Soldier was a complex and painstaking one. The remains were exhumed from a cemetery in France and transported to the United States, where they were examined by a team of experts. The team used a variety of methods to identify the soldier, including dental records, fingerprints, and tattoos. Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to identify the soldier, and he was therefore buried as the Unknown Soldier.
The Unknown Soldiers of World War II and the Korean War
In 1956, the remains of an Unknown Soldier from World War II were buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The soldier was identified as Private First Class Arthur F. Stokes, a 25-year-old soldier from Ohio who was killed in action on October 28, 1942, in Italy.
In 1958, the remains of an Unknown Soldier from the Korean War were buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The soldier was identified as Master Sergeant William H. McBride, a 34-year-old soldier from Tennessee who was killed in action on November 5, 1950, in North Korea.
The Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War
In 1984, the remains of an Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War were buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The soldier was identified as Air Force First Lieutenant Michael B. Blassie, a 27-year-old pilot from Missouri who was shot down on August 21, 1969, in Laos.
The Identification of the Vietnam Unknown
In 1998, a team of experts from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) used DNA testing to identify the remains of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier. The remains were found to be those of Air Force First Lieutenant Michael B. Blassie, who had been missing in action since 1969.
The Current Unknown Soldier
In 2019, the remains of an Unknown Soldier from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq were buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The soldier was identified as Army Staff Sergeant Elis A. Barreto Ortiz, a 27-year-old soldier from Puerto Rico who was killed in action on June 9, 2019, in Afghanistan.
The Burial Ceremony
The burial ceremony for the Unknown Soldier is a solemn and dignified affair. The ceremony is attended by high-ranking military officials, including the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The ceremony includes a 21-gun salute, a flyover by military aircraft, and the playing of Taps.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Today
Today, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of respect and remembrance for all American service members who have died in combat or as a result of wounds sustained in action. The tomb 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 are responsible for ensuring that the tomb is always guarded and that the Unknown Soldier is always honored and respected.
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of respect and remembrance for all American service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The tomb is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made in the name of freedom and democracy, and it serves as a tribute to the bravery and selflessness of those who have served in the United States military.
Table: The Unknown Soldiers
| Conflict | Soldier’s Name | Date of Death | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| World War I | Private John F. Kelly | October 31, 1918 | France |
| World War II | Private First Class Arthur F. Stokes | October 28, 1942 | Italy |
| Korean War | Master Sergeant William H. McBride | November 5, 1950 | North Korea |
| Vietnam War | Air Force First Lieutenant Michael B. Blassie | August 21, 1969 | Laos |
| Afghanistan/Iraq | Army Staff Sergeant Elis A. Barreto Ortiz | June 9, 2019 | Afghanistan |
Bullets: Interesting Facts
• 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.
• The tomb is made of white marble and is surrounded by a black granite base.
• The Unknown Soldier is buried with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
• The tomb is visited by millions of people each year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States.
• The Unknown Soldier is honored with a wreath-laying ceremony every hour, on the hour, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
