Why do they guard the tomb of the unknown soldier?

Why Do They Guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial dedicated to the unidentified remains of service members who have died in combat, and it is guarded 24/7 by elite military units from around the world. This tradition of guarding the tomb is a symbol of respect, honor, and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. But why do they guard the tomb of the unknown soldier?

Historical Background

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a burial site for service members whose remains were either unidentified or could not be identified due to the conditions of their death. The first Unknown Soldier was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in 1921, and since then, multiple Unknown Soldiers have been interred at the site, including those from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The tomb is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the importance of honoring their memories.

Respect and Honors

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by elite military units from around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and others. These guards are selected for their exceptional skills, discipline, and dedication to their country. The guards are responsible for ensuring that the tomb is always respectfully maintained and that the public is kept at a distance to prevent any disrespect to the Unknown Soldier.

Symbolism

The tomb is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by service members and the importance of honoring their memories. It is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that these individuals made for their country, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and honoring those who have served.

Perpetuating Tradition

The tradition of guarding the tomb is a way to perpetuate the memory of the Unknown Soldier and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. The guards are also responsible for performing a strict set of protocols and procedures to ensure that the tomb is always maintained with dignity and respect.

Honoring the Unknown Soldier

The Unknown Soldier is not just a symbol of individual sacrifice, but also of the collective sacrifice of millions of service members who have died in combat. By guarding the tomb, the guards are honoring the Unknown Soldier and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Interesting Facts

• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by approximately 1,000 people per year.
• The guards are responsible for performing a strict set of protocols and procedures, including a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps" at the end of each ceremony.
• The tomb is visited by approximately 2 million people per year.
• The Unknown Soldier is re-interred every year on November 11th, known as Armistice Day.

Conclusion

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by service members and the importance of honoring their memories. The tradition of guarding the tomb is a way to perpetuate the memory of the Unknown Soldier and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. By highlighting the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the importance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we can work to ensure that their legacy lives on.

Timeline of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Table: Unknown Soldiers Interred at the Tomb

Bibliography

• "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" by the United States Army
• "The Unknown Soldier" by the United States Department of Defense
• "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" by the Arlington National Cemetery