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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Introduction	Pictures	Interesting Facts
Video	Other Links	Bibliography

Introduction

As you know, there are many memorials, buildings, and museums in Washington D.C. Although they are all very interesting, none of them are just as mysterious as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located at Arlington National Cemetery, this tomb was dedicated in 1921. This tomb was originally built for unknowns of WWI. Over the years, it was expanded to being dedicated to WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

"Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier. Known But to God" This message is engraved into the tomb.

tomb

The Tomb

A soldier guards the tomb.

changing of the guards

This is a snapshot of the ceremony of the changing of the guards.

tomb 4

A different view of the tomb, looking down at it.

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Interesting Facts

1. The tomb was approved in 1921 for the burial of a WWI unknown.

2. The tomb is made of white marble.

3. There are Greek figures, one on each panel, one representing Peace, one Victory, and one Valor.

4. The soldier that was chosen was chosen randomly. Sgt. Edward Younger chose from four identical caskets.

5. The other soldiers were chosen this way, as well.

6. The Vietnam Unknown was giving the Medal of Honor by President Reagan, who was in charge of the funeral.

7. The tomb is guarded 24/7.

8. The burial flags for all the Unknowns at the tomb are on view in the Memorial Display Room.

9. The guards change in a ceremony. (see video)

10. The remains of the Vietnam Unknown were taken and DNA tested. They discovered the remains belonged to Air Force First Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie. It was decided that the Vietnam Unknown tomb would remain empty.

Click this picture to redirect to a video of the changing of the guards.

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Other Links

http://dc.about.com/od/photos/ig/Arlington-National-Cemetery-/guard.htm

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Bibliography

Arlington National Cemetery. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/visitor_information/tomb_of_the_unknowns.html

Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 2011 http://dc.about.com/od/photos/ig/Arlington-National-Cemetery-/guard.htm