The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Arlington National Cemetery, stands as a poignant memorial, a silent tribute to the unidentified service members who gave their lives for their country. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we help you understand the significance of this monument and its historical context. Discover the history, meaning, and enduring legacy of this sacred site, exploring themes of remembrance, sacrifice, and national identity. Uncover the meaning of sacrifice and valor.
1. Historical Context: The Need for the Tomb
The concept of honoring unknown soldiers emerged from the aftermath of large-scale conflicts where identifying all casualties became impossible.
1.1. Unidentified Remains Throughout History
Throughout history, warfare has always resulted in a significant number of unidentified deceased. This could be due to poor record-keeping, the devastating impact of weaponry on bodies, or the urgency required for burying the dead and marking grave sites. Before the Civil War in the United States, these unidentified remains were often interred in mass graves. Arlington National Cemetery, for instance, contains the remains of unknown soldiers and sailors from the War of 1812, who were initially buried at the Washington Barracks and later reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery in 1905.
1.2. The Civil War and National Cemeteries
The Civil War (1861-1865), with its high casualty rates and lack of personal identification methods, led to a large number of unknowns initially buried along marching routes or battlefields. To ensure the proper burial of all service members, the national cemetery system was established in 1862. Nevertheless, many unidentified remains were recovered in the years following the Civil War. At Arlington National Cemetery, there are individual Civil War unknown burials as well as the remains of 2,111 Union and Confederate soldiers buried beneath the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns. While the exact figures are unknown, it is estimated that nearly half of the Civil War fatalities were never identified.
Alt text: Civil War Unknowns Monument at Arlington National Cemetery, commemorating unidentified soldiers.
1.3. Spanish-American War and Improved Identification
During the Spanish-American War (1898), the U.S. military adopted a policy of repatriating (returning to the United States) the bodies of service members who died abroad. New Army regulations mandated that soldiers be buried in temporary graves with identifying information. The Army’s Quartermaster Corps, responsible for overseeing burials and repatriation, employed a burial corps. This resulted in a significant increase in identification rates.
2. World War I and the Birth of the Tomb
World War I marked a turning point in how nations honored their war dead, leading to the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
2.1. Identification Advances in WWI
During World War I, U.S. service members were issued aluminum identification discs, the precursors to “dog tags,” to help identify remains. The War Department established a new unit within the Quartermaster Corps, the Graves Registration Service, to oversee burials. However, the issue of repatriating bodies was a subject of debate among Americans during and after World War I. With over 100,000 U.S. casualties (compared to fewer than 3,000 in the Spanish-American War), repatriation became a more complex undertaking.
2.2. The Influence of European Memorials
France and Great Britain, which experienced significantly higher casualties and more unidentified dead than the United States, prohibited the repatriation of their citizens’ remains. To alleviate the grief of their citizens, France and Great Britain each repatriated and buried one unknown soldier on Armistice Day, November 11, 1920. Great Britain interred its Unknown Warrior inside Westminster Abbey in London, and France buried its Unknown Soldier at the base of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. These unknowns were meant to represent other British and French service members whose remains could not be identified.
Alt text: Interior view of Westminster Abbey, the final resting place of the British Unknown Warrior.
2.3. American Policy and the Proposal for a Tomb
In contrast, American policy offered options to the families of the war dead. If requested by the next of kin, the remains of service members who died in Europe would be transported to any location in the United States at no cost to the family. Alternatively, families could choose to bury their dead at permanent U.S. military cemeteries established in Europe.
In December 1920, New York Congressman and World War I veteran Hamilton Fish Jr. introduced legislation to provide for the interment of one unknown American soldier at a special tomb to be built in Arlington National Cemetery. The purpose of the legislation was “to bring home the body of an unknown American warrior who in himself represents no section, creed, or race in the late war and who typifies, moreover, the soul of America and the supreme sacrifice of her heroic dead.”
3. The Selection and Journey of the WWI Unknown
The selection process and journey of the World War I Unknown Soldier were steeped in solemnity and respect.
3.1. The Selection Ceremony in France
In October 1921, four bodies of unidentified U.S. military personnel were exhumed from different American military cemeteries in France. On October 23, 1921, the four caskets arrived at the city hall of Châlons-sur-Marne (now called Châlons-en-Champagne), France.
Town officials and members of the U.S. Army’s Quartermaster Corps prepared the city hall for the selection ceremony. Early on the morning of October 24, 1921, Maj. Robert P. Harbold of the Quartermaster Corps, aided by French and American soldiers, rearranged the caskets so that each rested on a shipping case other than the one in which it had arrived. Major Harbold then chose Sgt. Edward F. Younger of Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 50th Infantry, American Forces in Germany, to select the Unknown Soldier. Sgt. Younger selected the Unknown by placing a spray of white roses on one of the caskets.
Alt text: Sergeant Edward F. Younger selects the World War I Unknown Soldier in Châlons-sur-Marne, France.
3.2. The Voyage Home
From Châlons-sur-Marne, the Unknown journeyed by caisson and rail to the port town of Le Havre, France. From Le Havre, the USS Olympia transported the Unknown Soldier’s casket to Washington, D.C. The Unknown arrived at the Washington Navy Yard on November 9, 1921.
3.3. Lying in State and the Funeral Ceremony
After arriving in Washington, D.C. on November 9, 1921, the Unknown lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. About 90,000 visitors paid their respects during the public visiting period on November 10, 1921.
On November 11, 1921, the Unknown was placed on a horse-drawn caisson and carried in a procession through Washington, D.C. and across the Potomac River. A state funeral ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery’s new Memorial Amphitheater, and the Unknown was interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nationwide, Americans observed two minutes of silence at the beginning of the ceremony. President Warren G. Harding officiated at the ceremony and placed the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, on the casket. Numerous foreign dignitaries presented their nations’ highest awards, as well.
4. Evolution of the Tomb
The Tomb has evolved over time, both in its physical structure and in the meaning it holds for the nation.
4.1. Original Design and Early Years
Originally, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier consisted of a simple marble slab. During its early years, thousands of visitors came to Arlington National Cemetery to mourn at the Tomb and to pay their respects to the Unknown Soldier and the military personnel he represented.
4.2. The Sarcophagus
The Tomb sarcophagus is decorated with three wreaths on each side panel (north and south). On the front (east), three figures represent Peace, Victory and Valor. The back (west) features the inscription: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
Alt text: Close-up of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sarcophagus, showing the figures representing Peace, Victory, and Valor.
5. Adding Unknowns from WWII and Korea
The desire to honor the fallen from subsequent wars led to the addition of Unknowns from World War II and the Korean War.
5.1. Post-WWII Considerations
Following World War II, some Americans supported the idea of interring and honoring an Unknown from that war. However, the start of the Korean War in 1950 delayed those plans. In August 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the selection and interment of Unknowns from both World War II and Korea.
5.2. The Selection Processes for WWII and Korea
Fought on four continents, World War II complicated the selection of an Unknown. The chosen Unknown needed to represent all unidentified American dead, not just those from one theater of the war. In 1958, the Army exhumed 13 bodies from military cemeteries across North Africa and Europe and brought them to the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in France. On May 12, 1958, Major General Edward J. O’Neill placed a red and white wreath on one of the 13 caskets, selecting the Unknown who would represent the Trans-Atlantic (Europe and North Africa) Theater of World War II. The selected casket was then taken aboard USS Blandy for its journey to the United States.
To represent the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Army exhumed five bodies from Fort McKinley American Cemetery in the Philippines (now called Manila American Cemetery) and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (“The Punch Bowl”) in Hawaii. At the same time, they exhumed four bodies from the Korean War that were also buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. All nine caskets were brought to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. On May 15, 1958, Army Master Sergeant Ned Lyle selected the Korean War Unknown. The next day, Air Force Colonel Glenn T. Eagleston selected the World War II Trans-Pacific Unknown. Both caskets were flown to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, before being loaded aboard the USS Boston.
5.3. The Journey and Interment
The USS Blandy and USS Boston met the USS Canberra off the coast of Virginia. On May 26, 1958, all three caskets were placed on the deck of the Canberra, with the Korean War Unknown placed between the two World War II Unknowns. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class William R. Charette, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War, then selected the World War II Unknown. The caskets of the World War II and Korean War Unknowns were then transported to Washington, D.C. aboard the USS Blandy, while the remaining World War II Unknown received a solemn burial at sea.
Both Unknowns arrived in Washington, D.C. on May 28, 1958 and lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for two days. Two days later, the Unknowns were transported to Arlington National Cemetery and interred in crypts to the west of the World War I Unknown.
6. The Vietnam War Unknown and Its Complicated History
The story of the Vietnam War Unknown is marked by advancements in identification technology and a rededication of the crypt.
6.1. Initial Plans and Changing Perspectives
Before the Vietnam War ended, Arlington National Cemetery began making preparations to add a third crypt to the Tomb. However, many people believed that advances in technology would mean that all remains from Vietnam could eventually be identified.
6.2. The Dedication of a Plaque
In response to mounting political pressure to recognize a Vietnam War unknown, President Jimmy Carter and Max Cleland, Administrator of the United States Veteran Administration and a Vietnam veteran, dedicated a bronze plaque honoring American service members in the Vietnam War on Veterans Day, November 11, 1978, at Memorial Amphitheater.
6.3. The Selection and Interment of the Vietnam War Unknown
By May 1984, only one set of recovered American remains from Vietnam had not been fully identified. In a ceremony held at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on May 17, 1984, Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corps Sergeant Major Allan Jay Kellogg, Jr. designated the remains as the Vietnam War Unknown. The casket was then transported to Travis Air Force Base, California aboard the USS Brewton.
In California, the Vietnam War Unknown was loaded on a C-141B Starlifter and flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. The Vietnam War Unknown lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from May 25 to 28, 1984. On Memorial Day, May 28, a military procession transported the casket to Arlington National Cemetery for burial. On Memorial Day 1984, President Ronald Reagan presided over the interment ceremony at Arlington. In his eulogy, Reagan assured the audience that the government would continue looking for the Vietnam War’s missing in action (MIA) personnel. Meanwhile, the Vietnam War Unknown would lay at rest at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for almost 14 years.
6.4. Identification of Lt. Blassie and Rededication of the Crypt
The Department of Defense and civilian partners continued working to identify remains recovered from Vietnam. Through these efforts, they reviewed evidence that suggested the Vietnam War Unknown was likely Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, a pilot who had been shot down in 1972. At the request of Blassie’s family, the Department of Defense exhumed the remains from the Vietnam Unknown’s crypt on May 14, 1998. Using DNA testing, scientists positively identified the remains as those of Blassie. In accordance with the wishes of his family, Blassie was reinterred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. The crypt designated for the Vietnam War Unknown remains vacant. On September 17, 1999 — National POW/MIA Recognition Day — it was rededicated to honor all missing U.S. service members from the Vietnam War.
7. The Sentinel Guards: Guardians of Honor
The Tomb is guarded around the clock by specially trained soldiers, a testament to the perpetual honor and respect afforded to the Unknowns.
7.1. History of the Guard
In March 1926, soldiers from nearby Fort Myer were first assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards, present only during daylight hours, discouraged visitors from climbing or stepping on the Tomb. In 1937, the guards became a 24/7 presence, standing watch over the Unknown Soldier at all times.
7.2. The Old Guard
The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” was designated as the Army’s official ceremonial unit on April 6, 1948. At that time, The Old Guard began guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Soldiers of The Old Guard also serve as escorts to the president and conduct military ceremonies in and around Washington, D.C., including military funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery.
Alt text: The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery.
7.3. Rigorous Selection and Training
Soldiers who volunteer to become Tomb Guards must undergo a strict selection process and intensive training. Each element of the Tomb Guard’s routine has meaning. The Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns and faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, and then takes 21 steps down the mat. Next, the Guard executes a sharp “shoulder-arms” movement to place his/her weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. The number 21 symbolizes the highest symbolic military honor that can be bestowed: the 21-gun salute.
8. The Tomb Today: A Place of Remembrance
Today, the Tomb remains a powerful symbol of service, sacrifice, and national identity, attracting millions of visitors each year.
8.1. Wreath Laying Ceremonies
Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has long been a way for individuals and organizations to honor the sacrifices of American service members. Presidents, politicians, public figures and foreign dignitaries have all paid their respects in this way. Honor Flights, which honor our nation’s veterans with all-expense paid trips to see the memorials in Washington, D.C., almost always visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and sometimes lay wreaths. The opportunity to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony is also open to the general public, including school groups.
8.2. Visitors and Its Significance
In addition, each year, millions of people from around the world visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Some visit to honor military service and sacrifice; some to mourn a loved one; and some because of the Tomb’s historical and national significance.
8.3. A Lasting Symbol
One hundred years after the World War I Unknown’s burial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier continues to be a powerful symbol of service and sacrifice, mourning and memory.
9. FAQ: Common Questions About the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? | It honors unidentified service members who died in service to the United States, representing all who are missing or unidentified. |
| Where is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located? | Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, overlooking Washington, D.C. |
| Who guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? | Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” |
| What is the meaning of the 21 steps the guards take? | The 21 steps symbolize the 21-gun salute, the highest honor given to military personnel. |
| Can anyone participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb? | Yes, the opportunity is open to the general public, including school groups. |
| Why is there an empty crypt at the Tomb? | The crypt for the Vietnam War Unknown is now dedicated to all missing U.S. service members from the Vietnam War after the remains were identified. |
| What does the inscription on the Tomb say? | “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” |
| When was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier established? | The Tomb was established after World War I, with the first interment in 1921. |
| How are Tomb Guards selected and trained? | They undergo a rigorous selection process and intensive training to ensure they meet the highest standards of discipline and dedication. |
| Why is the Tomb guarded 24/7? | To ensure perpetual honor and respect for the Unknowns and the sacrifices they represent. |
10. Explore the Themes of Remembrance and Sacrifice
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a focal point for national reflection on the cost of freedom and the enduring importance of honoring those who serve. It evokes feelings of patriotism.
10.1. Reflection on Military Service
The Tomb serves as a place of mourning and a site for reflection on military service. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by countless individuals to protect our freedoms.
10.2. The Power of Symbolism
The Tomb’s enduring appeal lies in its symbolism. It represents all unknown soldiers throughout history, embodying the ideals of duty, honor, and sacrifice. It honors all veterans.
Alt text: Aerial view of Arlington National Cemetery, highlighting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
10.3. A Place for National Mourning
The Tomb provides a space for collective mourning and remembrance. It is a place where individuals and the nation can come together to honor the fallen and reflect on the human cost of war.
11. The Enduring Legacy of the Tomb
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier continues to inspire and resonate with visitors from around the world, ensuring that the sacrifices of the Unknowns are never forgotten.
11.1. A Timeless Symbol
The Tomb stands as a timeless symbol of American values and military service. Its enduring presence ensures that future generations will remember the sacrifices made by those who served.
11.2. Educational Programs
Educational programs about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier help to deepen understanding and appreciation for its significance. These programs ensure that the stories of the Unknowns are passed down to future generations.
11.3. Preserving the Memory
Efforts to preserve the Tomb and its surrounding landscape ensure that it will continue to serve as a place of honor and remembrance for generations to come. The Tomb preserves military history.
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