The Unknown Soldier is primarily located at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a revered memorial site situated within Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Sacred Memorial
For over a century, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has stood as the profound heart of Arlington National Cemetery. It serves as the solemn resting place for unidentified American service members, symbolizing the sacrifices of all who died without being identified. Currently, it is the grave of three unknown American service members, embodying the legacy of the United States armed forces throughout the nation's history.
- Symbol of Sacrifice: The Tomb represents all service members whose remains were never identified, particularly from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. It honors their ultimate sacrifice and selfless service to the nation.
- Continuous Guard: A unique aspect of the Tomb is that it is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by sentinels from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). This unwavering vigil is a testament to the nation's enduring respect and gratitude.
- Connecting Generations: As a sacred memorial site, the Tomb deeply connects visitors with the powerful and enduring legacy of the United States armed forces across generations.
Historical Context and Significance
The concept of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier emerged after World War I, recognizing the vast numbers of unidentified fallen soldiers. The first Unknown Soldier was interred here on November 11, 1921. Subsequent interments included unknowns from World War II and the Korean War, emphasizing the continuing cost of freedom. While an unknown from the Vietnam War was interred, his remains were later identified and removed.
The following table outlines the conflicts represented by the Unknown Soldiers:
| Conflict Represented | Date of Interment (Original Unknown) |
|---|---|
| World War I | November 11, 1921 |
| World War II | May 30, 1958 |
| Korean War | May 30, 1958 |
| Vietnam War | May 28, 1984 (Removed 1998) |
Visiting the Tomb
Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery can observe the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony, a highly precise and moving ritual that underscores the profound reverence for the Unknown Soldiers. This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the dedication and honor surrounding this hallowed ground. For detailed information regarding visiting hours, directions, and specific ceremonies, please refer to the official Arlington National Cemetery website. Further insights into the Tomb itself can be found on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier information page.
