Many Americans have heard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but few know the full story behind it. So, what is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? It is one of the nation’s most sacred monuments — a place that honors unidentified U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in war.
Located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, the Tomb represents every American who has died in battle without recognition. As of 2025, it continues to stand as a solemn reminder that even when names are lost, courage and sacrifice never are.
The Beginning: Honoring the Unknown Heroes
The idea for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was born after World War I, when thousands of American soldiers were killed overseas and many could not be identified. The grief of those missing soldiers’ families inspired leaders to create a national memorial to honor them.
On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier in a place of high honor. That soldier’s remains were brought home from a battlefield in France. On November 11, 1921, the Tomb was dedicated during a ceremony attended by President Warren G. Harding, military leaders, and thousands of citizens.
The inscription carved into the marble tomb reads:
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
That message became a symbol of gratitude to every service member whose name may never be known, but whose sacrifice helped preserve freedom.
How the Tomb Evolved Through Time
What began as a tribute to one unknown World War I soldier grew into a broader symbol of remembrance for all unidentified heroes of war.
- 1958: The remains of unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were added, placed in separate crypts beside the original tomb.
- 1984: The remains of a Vietnam War service member were interred as well, but in 1998, DNA testing identified him as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie. His remains were returned to his family, and the Vietnam crypt was left empty — now representing all missing and unidentified from that conflict.
Today, the Tomb honors three unknown soldiers — from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War — and symbolically represents all who gave their lives in service to the United States.
Design and Symbolism of the Tomb
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was crafted from white Yule marble quarried in Colorado. It stands atop a hill overlooking the nation’s capital — a fitting position for a monument that represents the heart of American sacrifice.
Key features of the design include:
- Three carved figures: Peace, Victory, and Valor — representing ideals that define the American spirit.
- Six carved wreaths: Symbolizing the six major campaigns of World War I.
- The main inscription: A timeless tribute to all unknown service members who rest in honored glory.
Weighing roughly 79 tons, the Tomb’s sheer size and simplicity give it a sense of permanence and reverence. Its silent presence reminds every visitor that freedom has a cost, paid by those who can never be thanked by name.
The Guards: America’s Unbroken Vigil
Perhaps the most powerful image associated with the Tomb is that of the sentinels — the soldiers who guard it every hour of every day.
Since 1937, the Tomb has been protected around the clock by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, famously known as “The Old Guard.” These guards maintain a watch that never ends — through rain, snow, storms, and even national crises.
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard is one of the most moving and precise ceremonies in the United States.
Each sentinel performs a ritual march:
- 21 steps across the mat, symbolizing the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor.
- 21 seconds of pause before turning and repeating the movement.
Every detail — from uniform preparation to foot placement — is executed with absolute precision. The sentinels’ commitment represents the nation’s promise that its fallen heroes will never be forgotten.
The ceremony takes place:
- Every 30 minutes from April 1 to September 30.
- Every hour from October 1 to March 31.
Even when no audience is present, the guard remains — a living symbol of eternal respect.
Tradition and Reverence: The Tomb’s Role in National Ceremonies
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the centerpiece of major national observances such as Veterans Day (November 11) and Memorial Day (last Monday in May).
During these ceremonies, the President of the United States or a senior military leader lays a wreath at the Tomb, followed by a moment of silence and the playing of “Taps.”
These events draw thousands of visitors, including veterans, families, and students, who come to pay their respects. The quiet dignity of the moment speaks for itself — there are no words that can match the emotion of standing before the Tomb and realizing the depth of its meaning.
Visitor Experience: A Place of Reflection
Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is often described as a humbling experience. Whether seen in person or through live broadcasts, the solemn beauty of the site leaves a lasting impression.
Key visitor information (as of 2025):
- Location: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
- Open: Year-round during cemetery visiting hours.
- Etiquette: Visitors are asked to remain silent and stand respectfully during ceremonies.
- Photography: Permitted, but quiet observation is expected.
The Tomb is part of a larger memorial complex that includes the Memorial Amphitheater, which hosts national ceremonies and provides a space for quiet reflection.
Every visitor, whether veteran or civilian, leaves with a deeper understanding of the price of freedom.
100 Years of Remembrance and Renewal
In 2021, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier marked its 100th anniversary, a century since the burial of the World War I Unknown. To commemorate the occasion, Arlington National Cemetery temporarily opened the plaza for the public to walk across and place flowers at the Tomb — a gesture not allowed in decades.
That historic event reminded Americans that remembrance is not passive — it requires action, gratitude, and unity. The Tomb’s century-long legacy continues to strengthen the nation’s collective commitment to honoring its military dead.
Why the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Still Matters Today
In 2025, more than a century after its dedication, the Tomb remains one of the most visited and respected sites in the United States. Over three million people visit each year to witness the Changing of the Guard, participate in ceremonies, or simply pay silent tribute.
But beyond the marble and ritual lies a deeper message:
The Tomb stands for equality in sacrifice. It honors every soldier — regardless of rank, race, or background — who gave their life for freedom. It reminds Americans that the strength of the nation comes not only from those whose names we remember but also from those we never knew.
The Tomb is not just about loss; it’s about gratitude, unity, and national purpose. It asks visitors to pause and remember that liberty was earned by the unknown, whose identities may be lost but whose legacy endures forever.
Quick Facts About the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia |
| Established | November 11, 1921 |
| Material | White Yule Marble (from Colorado) |
| Weight | Approximately 79 tons |
| Number of Unknowns | Three (WWI, WWII, Korean War) |
| Guarded Since | 1937 (24/7 continuous watch) |
| Guarding Unit | 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment – “The Old Guard” |
| Visitors Per Year | Over 3 million |
| Most Recent Renovation | Ongoing preservation efforts as of 2025 |
The Lasting Message of the Tomb
So, what is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? It’s more than stone and ceremony — it’s a living symbol of America’s eternal gratitude. It represents every unnamed hero whose courage built the foundation of freedom.
Each guard’s step, each wreath laid, and each moment of silence is a promise that this nation remembers. The Tomb stands as a bridge between generations, reminding Americans that while wars may end, remembrance never does.
For visitors, it’s not just a monument to the fallen — it’s a lesson in humility and honor. It teaches that true heroism often comes from those who never sought recognition but gave everything for something greater than themselves.
What does the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier mean to you? Share your thoughts below and join others in honoring the silent heroes who gave their all for America.