The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of America’s most sacred monuments, a solemn tribute to the unidentified soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. Located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, overlooking the nation’s capital, the Tomb honors all unidentified American service members who died in combat without recognition, and it stands as a powerful symbol of the cost of war, the value of every life and the enduring gratitude of a nation. On this Memorial Day, I thought this a most fitting subject to add context to something we all generally know.
Origins and Historical Context
The idea for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier originated in the aftermath of World War I, a conflict marked by mass casualties and an overwhelming number of unidentified dead. Inspired by similar monuments in France and the United Kingdom, Congress approved the construction of the Tomb in 1921 to honor a single unidentified soldier who had fallen in that war.
In late October 1921, four unidentified American soldiers were exhumed from American cemeteries in France. U.S. Army Sgt. Edward F. Younger, a highly decorated World War I veteran, was given the honor of selecting one of the four remains. He placed a spray of white roses on one of the caskets, and that soldier was transported to the United States. On November 11, 1921, three years to the day after the end of World War I, the unknown soldier was interred at Arlington in a ceremony attended by President Warren G. Harding and thousands of mourners.
The Purpose and Meaning
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was created not merely to honor a single soldier, but to represent all those who died anonymously in the service of their country. It offers a collective identity for the nameless and faceless individuals whose sacrifices might otherwise be forgotten. The Tomb speaks to a national ideal that every life lost in defense of liberty and justice matters, regardless of name, rank or background.
The inscription on the Tomb reads:
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God”
These words underscore the sacred anonymity of the entombed and the reverence with which their memory is held.
Expansion of the Tomb
Over the years, the Tomb has been expanded to include unknown soldiers from later conflicts. In 1958, unidentified remains from World War II and the Korean War were interred. In 1984, a Vietnam War unknown was buried in the Tomb, but advancements in forensic science and DNA testing later identified him as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Blassie in 1998. His remains were returned to his family, and the crypt for the Vietnam War now remains empty, bearing a new inscription:
“Honoring and Keeping Faith with America’s Missing Servicemen”
The Guard and National Symbolism
Since July 2, 1937, the Tomb has been guarded continuously by the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard." The guard change ceremony is a revered and precise ritual that draws millions of visitors each year. This unbroken vigil signifies the nation's commitment to never forget its fallen, no matter how much time passes or how anonymous the sacrifice, and has become a site of national pilgrimage, especially on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when presidents and military leaders lay wreaths in a display of national unity and respect.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is more than a marble structure; it is the beating heart of America’s remembrance. Born from the devastation of World War I, it has grown to embody the pain, pride and patriotism of a nation shaped by sacrifice. The unknown soldier buried there is not just a relic of one war, but a timeless representative of all who died unnamed and unclaimed yet deeply honored.
The Tomb reminds us that while not every hero’s name is known, their service and sacrifice to preserve the American democracy and way of life will never be forgotten.
My column sees the world through the lens of Americana and focuses primarily on the culture and history of the United States. It uses the latest technological innovations combined with over seven decades of personal experience to create a vehicle that helps to communicate issues that have resonated throughout the history of the American experiment. My column is free to all but also offers a modest paid subscription for those who want to support the free flow of ideas.