Who is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a gravesite dedicated to unidentified soldiers who have died in combat, and is a symbol of respect and gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice. The tomb is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States, and is one of the most iconic and revered monuments in the country.
History of the Tomb
The idea of a tomb for unknown soldiers dates back to World War I, when the French government created the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1920. The concept was to honor the unidentified remains of soldiers who had died in combat, and to provide a sense of closure and respect for their families.
In the United States, the idea of a tomb for unknown soldiers gained momentum after World War II. In 1956, the United States Congress passed a law authorizing the creation of a tomb for unknown soldiers from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The Selection Process
The selection process for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a rigorous and solemn ceremony. The process involves the following steps:
- Exhumation: The remains of unidentified soldiers are exhumed from cemeteries and military bases around the world.
- Identification: Forensic experts and historians work to identify the remains, using techniques such as DNA analysis and dental records.
- Verification: The remains are verified to ensure that they are indeed those of an unknown soldier.
- Selection: A panel of experts selects the remains that are most likely to be those of an unknown soldier.
The Unknown Soldiers
There have been four unknown soldiers interred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
- World War I: The first unknown soldier was interred in 1921. His remains were exhumed from a cemetery in France and were identified as those of an American soldier who died in combat.
- World War II: The second unknown soldier was interred in 1958. His remains were exhumed from a cemetery in the Philippines and were identified as those of an American soldier who died in combat.
- Korean War: The third unknown soldier was interred in 1958. His remains were exhumed from a cemetery in South Korea and were identified as those of an American soldier who died in combat.
- Vietnam War: The fourth unknown soldier was interred in 1984. His remains were exhumed from a cemetery in Vietnam and were identified as those of an American soldier who died in combat.
The Tomb
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a simple, yet elegant monument. The tomb is made of white marble and is surrounded by a granite base. The tomb is topped with a bronze statue of a soldier in full dress uniform, with his head bowed in reverence.
The Changing of the Guard
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard." The guard is responsible for ensuring the tomb is always dignified and respectful.
Interesting Facts
- The Tomb is guarded by a single sentinel: The guard is changed every 30 minutes, with a single sentinel standing watch at the tomb.
- The Tomb is visited by millions of people each year: The tomb is one of the most visited monuments in the United States.
- The Tomb is a symbol of respect and gratitude: The tomb is a symbol of respect and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by unknown soldiers.
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of respect and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by unknown soldiers. The tomb is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have died in combat, and serves as a symbol of the enduring spirit of patriotism and service.
Table: Unknown Soldiers Interred at the Tomb
| War | Year Interred | Country of Origin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| World War I | 1921 | France | Identified as an American soldier who died in combat |
| World War II | 1958 | Philippines | Identified as an American soldier who died in combat |
| Korean War | 1958 | South Korea | Identified as an American soldier who died in combat |
| Vietnam War | 1984 | Vietnam | Identified as an American soldier who died in combat |
Bullets List: Interesting Facts
• The Tomb is guarded by a single sentinel
• The Tomb is visited by millions of people each year
• The Tomb is a symbol of respect and gratitude
• The Tomb is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have died in combat
• The Tomb serves as a symbol of the enduring spirit of patriotism and service
