Name:

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

By Cindy Campbell
1
A lovely hillside overlooking the Potomac River in
Washington, D.C. is the site of Arlington National
Cemetery. This is the home of the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier. Every year on November 11, Veterans' Day, the
unknown soldiers buried there are honored with an
impressive ceremony. The President places a wreath at the
site.

2
It was in 1921 that Congress approved the idea of burying an unknown soldier
from World War I. This was a custom that other countries like Great Britain and
France had already begun. As soon as the Tomb was completed, it became a
popular spot because of the beautiful view it offered visitors. People actually used
the Tomb as a picnic table! On March 25, 1926, the government decided to post an
armed military guard there to uphold its solemn dignity by keeping picnickers and
others away. In 1937, more guards were added, and the 24-hour watch was begun.
Since then, three more unknown soldiers' bodies have been buried there: one from
World War II, one from the Korean War, and one from the Vietnam War*. All were
buried with highest honors.

3
You may wonder why the country pays such high respect to soldiers whom no
one knows. These Americans who gave their lives and identities for peace and
freedom represent all those killed, missing, or unknown in the service of their
country. The tomb is a place where families can go to grieve for loved ones lost,
known or unknown. Having a place for prayer and quiet can provide closure for
them.

4
The Guard of Honor at the Tomb maintains the highest standards of the U.S.
Army. These men and women are handpicked and trained strictly. Their mission is
to protect the Tomb itself. They pledge to prevent any disrespect or desecration
toward it.

5
A guard's job is difficult and demanding, so it isn't surprising that 80 percent of
those who want the job fail to qualify. First of all, a person must be between 5 feet
11 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall with a waist size not exceeding 30 inches. Soldiers
must be disciplined, have a strong military manner, and possess an outstanding
military appearance. Each individual must be able to perfectly perform seven
different walks, honors, and ceremonies. He or she must learn and remember vast
amounts of information about the Tomb, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S.
Army, and their unit.

6
Once a sentinel is chosen, much work is put into performing the job. To get
ready for a shift, a guard may spend as many as eight hours preparing his or her
uniform. Folds, wrinkles, and lint are not tolerated. As you may imagine, a full
length mirror is necessary!

7
The sentinels are divided up into shifts, otherwise knows as reliefs. Soldiers are
assigned to reliefs according to height. The tallest soldiers (6' 2" to 6' 4") are in the
first relief; the shortest (5' 11" to 6") are in the third relief. If you visit the Tomb,
you may be able to tell which relief is on duty just by the height of the sentinels.

8
During a relief, the guard takes twenty-one steps across the tomb and then
performs an about face, or turn around. He or she will pause for twenty-one
seconds before going back across the Tomb another twenty-one steps. The number
twenty-one relates to the twenty-one gun salute given in honor to any military or
foreign dignitary. The rifle is always carried on the guard's shoulder that is away
from the Tomb. This requires the guard to change the rifle at every about face.

9
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, every day
of the year. Off duty hours are spent preparing the uniform, training, and getting
haircuts. After nine months, a guard is recognized with a badge signifying service at
the Tomb. Over 500 badges are presently worn.

10
The poem included here was written as a tribute to those who serve at the
Tomb.

11

The Vigil

In measured steps he makes in rounds.

The click of heels the only sounds.
He stands erect so straight and tall,
With pride and dedication responds to the call.
With deep affection his vigil keeps,
Over those who forever sleep.
He responds not to the visitors stare,
Maintaining his vigil as if in silent prayer.

In the morning's twilight hours,

His watch becomes like cathedral towers.
Reaching from earth to heaven above,
A lasting tribute to one man's love.
As time and seasons come and go,
His vigil remains for all to know.
That beneath the sacred Arlington sod,
Lies three buddies KNOWN BUT TO GOD.

J.R.

12
*In 1998 the body of the Vietnam War soldier was identified thanks to advances in science
and technology. His body was removed from the tomb and taken to a family burial site. That
empty area continues to serve as a memorial to all Vietnam War unidentified and missing
soldiers.
1.

Answers:

1 Various; these soldiers gave their lives in the service of their country for peace and freedom; many
soldiers from all U.S. wars were not identified after their deaths, so these represent and honor them; it is
respectful of the families dealing with unidentified soldiers and offers them a place to grieve
2 The Tomb was used as a picnic table.
3 Various; the job is demanding in many ways—taking care of the uniform; learning volumes of
information about the cemetery, etc., perfectly executing the walks and ceremonies; performing in all
types of weather in front of crowds of people
4 20 percent
5 Second relief
6 Recognition
7 A twenty-one gun salute is an honor given to military personnel and dignitaries; the unknown soldiers
are being honored when the number of steps and seconds matches it.
8 World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War