The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Honoring America’s Fallen Heroes

Last updated on January 5th, 2025 at 11:24 pm

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as one of the most solemn and significant monuments in the United States, symbolizing the gratitude, reverence, and respect the nation has for its fallen soldiers—particularly those who gave their lives but were never identified. Located at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, this hallowed site has become a powerful symbol of sacrifice, bravery, and national pride.

In the following paragraphs, I will share everything I know about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, so you have a better understanding of what it is, and the significance.

The History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated on November 11, 1921, during a ceremony marking the end of World War I. The idea for the tomb came from a desire to honor American soldiers who died in the war but whose remains could not be identified.

Following the end of the war, an unknown soldier was exhumed from a French cemetery, brought back to the United States, and interred at the tomb in Arlington Cemetery with full military honors. The tomb was designed as a place to remember all American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

However, the symbolism of the tomb extends beyond World War I. In 1958, the remains of two unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were also laid to rest at the site, representing all those who died in those conflicts. The tomb’s final addition came in 1984, when the remains of an unknown soldier from the Vietnam War were interred.

In 1998, however, the remains of the Vietnam War soldier were identified through DNA and returned to his family, leaving only the remains of the World War I, World War II, and Korean War soldiers at the site today.

The Sentinels: The Guardians of the Tomb

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24/7, no matter the weather, by a group of highly trained soldiers known as the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These men and women are part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, the oldest active-duty infantry regiment in the U.S. Army. Their role is more than just ceremonial; they embody the nation’s deep respect for the fallen and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members.

The Sentinels go through a grueling selection process, which includes passing physical fitness tests, maintaining perfect discipline, and memorizing an extensive amount of information about the tomb and the history it represents. But perhaps the most impressive part of their role is their unwavering dedication to the tomb.

They march in a strict, precise routine, changing positions every 21 steps, pausing for 21 seconds, and performing a slow, deliberate turn. The number “21” is significant, as it symbolizes the highest honor that can be given to a military unit or individual.

Changing of the Guard: A Ceremony of Honor

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is one of the most recognized and moving military rituals in the world. This ritual takes place every hour from October to March and every half-hour from April to September, and it is a deeply respectful event that captures the attention of visitors. During the ceremony, one Sentinel relieves another, maintaining the constant vigilance that has come to symbolize the respect the nation has for its fallen soldiers.

The process is highly choreographed and ceremonial. The relief guard approaches the tomb with a measured pace and salutes the unknown soldier before taking his or her position. The outgoing Sentinel marches away with precision, performing the same strict steps in reverse.

The ceremony is silent, with only the sound of the boots echoing in the still air, emphasizing the reverence of the moment. For those who witness it, it’s a powerful reminder of the nation’s deep commitment to honoring those who served and sacrificed, even if they remain nameless.

The Tomb Guard Badge: A Symbol of Honor

The Tomb Guard Badge is one of the most prestigious awards that a soldier can earn in the U.S. Army. Only those who have successfully completed the demanding training and have been entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the tomb are eligible to wear this badge. It is a mark of exceptional skill, discipline, and dedication, and its recipients are deeply respected by their peers and by the American public.

To earn the Tomb Guard Badge, a soldier must complete months of rigorous training, including memorizing the history of the tomb, learning precise marching drills, and enduring extreme physical endurance tests. It’s not just about the ceremony—it’s about the honor of standing watch over the final resting place of fallen soldiers.

The badge is worn on the uniform as a symbol of the soldier’s unyielding commitment to their duty, and only those who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the tomb’s guardianship can wear it.

The Old Guard: Guardians of the Tomb

Arlington National Cemetery: A Place of Honor

Located just across the river from Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most sacred places in America. It’s the final resting place for more than 400,000 military personnel, veterans, and their families. This hallowed ground has seen countless moments of history, from the burial of President John F. Kennedy to the graves of fallen soldiers from wars dating back to the Civil War.

In addition to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington is home to many other memorials, including the Challenger Memorial and the USS Maine Memorial. Every year, thousands of visitors come to pay their respects, especially on Memorial Day, when the cemetery hosts ceremonies to honor those who gave everything for the country. Arlington is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. military.

Fort Myer: Home to the Old Guard

Just a short distance from Arlington National Cemetery is Fort Myer, the home base of The Old Guard. Established in 1863, Fort Myer is where the regiment trains and prepares for its ceremonial duties. The fort is also the home of the Caisson Platoon, which handles military funeral processions and carries fallen soldiers to their graves at Arlington.

Fort Myer has played a significant role in U.S. military history—it was the site of the first military aviation school, where the Wright brothers tested their famous plane. Today, Fort Myer remains an essential part of the Army, housing The Old Guard and keeping the traditions of military honor and service alive.

Suggested Resources About the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

If you’re interested in learning more about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, its rich history, and the soldiers who serve as its guardians, here are some great resources to dive deeper:

Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld offers a poignant, illustrated account of the daily dedication and discipline of the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Through rhythmic, lyrical prose, it captures the solemn ritual and significance of the guard’s 21 steps, representing the nation’s respect for its fallen soldiers. Order on Amazon.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Century of Honor, 1921-2021 by Philip Bigler provides a detailed history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, from its establishment following World War I to its centennial in 2021. The book explores the evolving role of the tomb as a symbol of national sacrifice, honor, and remembrance, while also highlighting the courageous men and women who have guarded it over the past century. Buy on Amazon.

Arlington National Cemetery – The official Arlington National Cemetery website provides a wealth of information about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, its history, and the honor of those who guard it. You can also find visitor information and learn more about how the Tomb fits into the larger context of the cemetery.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remains one of the most powerful symbols of sacrifice and service to the United States. Its history, the dedication of its Sentinels, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and the significance of the Tomb Guard Badge, all remind us of the immense debt we owe to those who have served and sacrificed, even in anonymity. As you reflect on these honored soldiers, it’s clear that the Tomb will continue to stand as a place of reverence and remembrance for generations to come.

My Experience

I was fortunate to serve in The Old Guard for about 2.5 years from 1996 to 1998. I was an Administrative Specialist in the S3 Office. No, I was not a sentinel, nor did I ever walk the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but serving in that unit was quite perhaps my most important military assignment. The leadership and quality of soldiers at that unit were the best I ever served with.

Final Thoughts

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, honoring not just the unidentified men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States, but all those who have served in defense of the nation. Its solemnity and the unwavering dedication of the sentinels who guard it remind us of the debt of gratitude we owe to the fallen, and of the enduring principles of honor and duty that define the American military.

As we reflect on the significance of this hallowed site, it is a testament to the selflessness of those who have given everything for the freedoms we hold dear, and a reminder that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. What are your thoughts? Have you ever watched the changing of the guard or served in The Old Guard? If so, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts.

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