Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'Tomb of the Unknowns'.
-
On Mar 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I (U.S. Involvement: 1916-1918). The unknown soldier was brought back from France on 11/11/21, and was buried at the bottom of a three-level marble tomb. Since then, the tomb area has come to represent all American war dead, with the marble plaque reading, "Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier, Known But To God." The tomb guards are members of the Third Infantry Regiment, United States Army. The soldier walking the mat does not wear a rank insignia, so he will not outrank the unknown. The first 24-hour guarding began at midnight, Jul 2, 1937, and has continued uninterrupted ever since, for over 78 years. From Apr 1 - Sep 30, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony takes place every 30 minutes (I recommend arriving either at 20-past or 50-past the hour). Please watch in complete silence, and stand (if you can), removing your hat, when instructed to do so. From Oct 1 - Mar 30, the Ceremony occurs every 2 hours - the Ceremony can be viewed by the public whenever Arlington National Cemetery is open. I have witnessed this Ceremony at least a half-dozen times, and it is near the top of my list for things to do with out-of-town visitors. Not once have I ever been less than enthralled with the Ceremony. Warning: It is something of a hike from the parking area, so consider taking the TourMobile (although in full disclosure I've never done that, so I can't vouch for it one way or the other). Here are some useful websites for visitors: "Plan Your Visit" on arlingtoncemetery.mil "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" on tombguard.org "Tomb of the Unknowns" on wikipedia.com
- 16 replies
-
- 1
-
- Arlington
- Arlington National Cemetery
- (and 4 more)