The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Symbol of Sacrifice and Honor
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred monument that stands as a symbol of sacrifice and honor for the unknown soldiers who have given their lives in defense of their countries. The tomb is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States, and is one of the most revered and visited memorials in the world.
Who’s in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The tomb is dedicated to the unknown soldiers of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The remains of these soldiers were identified as unknown because they were unable to be identified through traditional means, such as dental records or fingerprints.
The Unknown Soldiers of World War I
The first unknown soldier to be interred in the tomb was a World War I soldier. In 1921, the US Army identified the remains of an unknown soldier from the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery in France. The soldier was exhumed and brought back to the United States, where he was buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 1921.
The Unknown Soldiers of World War II
In 1956, the US Army identified the remains of an unknown soldier from World War II. The soldier was exhumed from the Lorraine Forest in France and brought back to the United States, where he was buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on May 30, 1958.
The Unknown Soldiers of the Korean War
In 1958, the US Army identified the remains of an unknown soldier from the Korean War. The soldier was exhumed from the National Cemetery in South Korea and brought back to the United States, where he was buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on May 30, 1958.
The Unknown Soldiers of the Vietnam War
In 1984, the US Army identified the remains of an unknown soldier from the Vietnam War. The soldier was exhumed from the Long Binh Cemetery in South Vietnam and brought back to the United States, where he was buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on May 28, 1984.
The Unknown Soldiers of Other Conflicts
In addition to the soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier also honors the unknown soldiers of other conflicts, including the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and the Gulf War.
The Unknown Soldiers of the Civil War
The unknown soldiers of the Civil War were buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1865. The soldiers were exhumed from the battlefields of Gettysburg and Antietam and brought back to the United States, where they were buried in the tomb.
The Unknown Soldiers of the Spanish-American War
The unknown soldiers of the Spanish-American War were buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1899. The soldiers were exhumed from the battlefields of Cuba and brought back to the United States, where they were buried in the tomb.
The Unknown Soldiers of the Gulf War
The unknown soldiers of the Gulf War were buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1991. The soldiers were exhumed from the battlefields of Kuwait and brought back to the United States, where they were buried in the tomb.
The Tomb’s Guardians
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 guards are responsible for ensuring the tomb’s security and honor, and are trained to perform a 21-gun salute and to render honors to the unknown soldiers.
The Tomb’s Visitors
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is visited by millions of people each year. Visitors can view the tomb from a distance, and can also attend a ceremony to pay their respects to the unknown soldiers.
The Tomb’s Significance
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of sacrifice and honor, and serves as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness of the unknown soldiers who have given their lives in defense of their countries. The tomb is a place of reverence and respect, and is a symbol of the enduring commitment of the United States to honor and remember its fallen heroes.
Table: The Unknown Soldiers of the Tomb
| Conflict | Year | Country | Cemetery |
|---|---|---|---|
| World War I | 1921 | France | Meuse-Argonne |
| World War II | 1958 | France | Lorraine Forest |
| Korean War | 1958 | South Korea | National Cemetery |
| Vietnam War | 1984 | South Vietnam | Long Binh |
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of sacrifice and honor, and serves as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness of the unknown soldiers who have given their lives in defense of their countries. The tomb is a place of reverence and respect, and is a symbol of the enduring commitment of the United States to honor and remember its fallen heroes.
