The Tomb of the Unknown is located within Arlington National Cemetery. Intended to serve as a reminder of the many servicemen and women that are missing, the tomb holds the remains of an unknown soldier from World War I, World War II, Korea and, until 1998, Vietnam.
The idea for the Tomb came from a similar memorial that is located in Great Britain. In 1921, the body of the unknown from World War I was interred near the center of Arlington National Cemetery after Congress passed a resolution which, in part, called for the construction of the Tomb. That unidentified soldier, whose body was recovered in France, was to represent every single soldier who was listed as missing during World War I.
Since then three others have been interred within the tomb, each representing all who were missing during the war in which that soldier was killed. In 1998, DNA testing identified the remains of the soldier killed during Vietnam. Identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael J. Blassie. The remains were returned to his family for burial. The Tomb of the Unknown representing the Vietnam War is now empty, but still serves as a memorial for the missing of that war.
The Tomb, which is one of most popular tourist attractions in Arlington National Cemetery is guarded 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The guards were originally ordered to guard the tomb in 1926 and only during daylight hours because some visitors were not treating the tomb with the respect and reverence they felt it deserved. In 1937, the guards began 24 hour a day duty guarding the tomb and that has continued to this day.
To be selected for this duty is considered a great honor and there are very strict requirements that must be met. In fact, 80% of the soldiers who seek this duty are not selected. Below is their creed.
The Sentinels Creed
My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted.
In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter.
And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect.
His bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night,
this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.
Soldiers each work a 24 hour shift during which they take turns guarding the tomb in either 30 or 60 minute intervals, depending on the season. At the end of each 30 or 60 minute time frame, the changing of the guard occurs. While guarding the tomb, the soldier marches 21 steps in each direction, signifying the 21-gun salute.
The hours of Arlington National Cemetery vary depending on the season, so check for current hours when planning a visit.
Review, comment, or add new information about this topic: