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Commemorating the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
By Paula Green
If you have visited Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, you have seen a historic military site. For 105 years, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been the cemetery’s centerpiece. The white marble tomb sits on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C., and encourages visitors to reflect on service, bravery, sacrifice, and loss.
On the front of the monument, three Greek figures stand for Peace, Victory, and Valor. The back of the monument reads: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” Three unidentified U.S. service members are buried at the Tomb, one from World War I, one from World War II, and one from the Korean War.
The first Unknown Soldier was brought to Arlington National Cemetery on a horse-drawn caisson during a large ceremony across the Potomac River. The event took place on November 11, 1921, and President Warren G. Harding spoke at the funeral. The nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor, was placed on the casket. At the start of the ceremony, thousands of Americans watched and took part in two minutes of silence as the Unknown was laid to rest.
On November 17, 1925, the Army assigned a civilian guard to the Tomb after reports of visitors behaving disrespectfully. Since then, the site has always had a guard. Beginning July 2, 1937, guards have been on duty every hour, every day, year-round.
No matter the weather, Sentinels from the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, called The Old Guard, patrol the Tomb. Their precise marching routine is based on the 21-gun salute, with each guard taking 21 steps before stopping and turning. The guard at the Tomb changes in a detailed ceremony every hour from October 1 to March 31, and every half hour from April 1 to September 30. Guards do not wear rank insignia while on duty, so they never outrank the unidentified soldiers they protect.
Serving as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is seen as one of the highest honors. To join this group, candidates must meet strict physical, military, and mental standards.
Candidates need to have a spotless military record and strong personal character. They must be in excellent physical shape, with a balanced weight and build. Men must be between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall, while women must be between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Candidates must pass an initial interview and complete a two-week trial period. They need to memorize facts about Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb, and the locations and biographies of nearly 300 buried veterans. They also have to pass tough exams with 100 questions and perform the guard-changing routines perfectly.
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is given as a temporary award until the sentinel has served honorably at the Tomb for nine months. After that, the award can become permanent, and the badge may be worn for the rest of a military career.
The Tomb continues to stand as a national symbol honoring unidentified fallen service members.
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