What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Explore the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, featuring continuous guard duties by the U.S. Army.
Arlington National Cemetery features neoclassical monument known as Tomb Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia. Unidentified service members from World War I, World War II, Korean War rest inside structure. Fourth crypt once held Vietnam War service member, though workers later identified remains, returning them surviving relatives.
Travelers explore historic landmark learn its origins, daily routines, strict protocols enforced United States Army. Visitors seek information about how armed forces honor fallen personnel whose identities disappeared during combat. Millions tourists arrive each year witness sentinel relief ceremony.
What Is Tomb Unknown Soldier?
Known as Old Guard, soldiers follow precise twenty-one-step route before sarcophagus. Guards patrol twenty-four hours daily, 365 days yearly, regardless rain, snow, extreme heat. Visitors regard dedication as strict discipline maintained regardless weather, time.
3d U.S. Infantry Regiment provides guard personnel. White marble forms memorial sarcophagus.
Strict military protocols governed selection process unidentified service members, protecting complete secrecy. Decorated war veteran selected one casket representing missing personnel, while remaining caskets were buried overseas.
Meaning changes when squads fall behind, yet guard rotations follow rigid schedules despite national events. Guards rotate hourly during winter months, while relief takes place every thirty minutes during busier summer weeks. Sentinels perform every movement according strict drills demonstrating precision.
Three Greek figures carved across front panel white marble monument represent Peace, Valor. Inscription on rear reads: "Here rests in honored glory American soldier known but God." Plaza serves as gathering point memorial ceremonies held on Veterans Day, Memorial Day.
Federal officials, foreign dignitaries regularly place floral wreaths near monument's base. Citizens learn about historic landmark through school visits, public tributes. Site remains focal point honoring sacrifice made United States Armed Forces.
- Congress authorized creation national memorial in February 1921.
- First unidentified service member was buried at site in November 1921.
3d U.S. Infantry Regiment began continuous 24-hour guard duties. Guards remain at their posts through strict rotations designed honor fallen service members. Summer shifts change every thirty minutes manage heat.
Winter watches last sixty minutes at time. Every step follows precise twenty-one-step count.