Consider this scene. A lone bugler sounds attention three times. Here at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Grave we stand at a place of profound national significance. It symbolizes valor and sacrifice. It honors those who died bravely without witnesses.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in Arlington National Cemetery. It overlooks the nation’s capital. This serene hilltop is the final resting place for over 400000 military personnel.
The idea for the Tomb was inspired by the many unidentified dead from World War I. Great Britain first honored these forgotten warriors in 1920. In 1921 a burial ceremony occurred in the United States for an American unknown. This soldier died in Europe during World War I.
Four unknown soldiers were exhumed from an American cemetery in France. They were placed in identical caskets. U.S. Army Sergeant Edward F. Younger a WWI veteran chose one. He selected the third casket from the left. The chosen soldier was transported to the U.S. on the USS Olympia.
The soldier lay in state in the Capitol rotunda. On Armistice Day the casket was transported to Arlington National Cemetery. President Warren G. Harding and other dignitaries escorted the casket. Medals of Honor were presented to the unknown dead.
After World War II the selection process for another unknown soldier was postponed. This was due to the Korean War. At the conclusion of the Korean War four candidates were selected. These soldiers were from the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Master Sergeant Ned Lyle selected one for burial at Arlington.
Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class William R. Charette chose the WWII unknown aboard the U.S.S. Canberra. Two soldiers were chosen one from the European and one from the Pacific theaters. During the procession 20 fighter planes flew overhead. One plane was missing from each formation symbolizing a fallen brother-in-arms. President Eisenhower placed a Medal of Honor on each casket.
In 1984 the final unknown soldier from the Vietnam War was laid to rest. However advances in DNA technology identified the body in 1998. It was Air Force 1st Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blassie. His remains were moved to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. The crypt cover was replaced. It now reads Honoring and Keeping Faith with America’s Missing Servicemen 1958-1975.
The sarcophagus above the WWI soldier’s tomb sits before three marble slabs. These identify the crypts of soldiers from WWII Korea and Vietnam. The sarcophagus was constructed in 1931. One side features Greek figures representing Peace Valor and Victory. The other side shows six inverted wreaths. Each represents a major campaign from WWI.
Since 1937 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded 24/7. Tomb Guards come from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment known as The Old Guard. Becoming a tomb guard is difficult. They keep watch over the memorial every minute of every day.
The steps performed have specific meaning. Everything the guards do is a series of 21 alluding to the 21-gun salute. Guards do not wear rank insignia. This is because the identities of the soldiers are unknown.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the cost of freedom. It honors those who gave everything. Their names may be unknown but their sacrifice never will be.