~ THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER ~ The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was built following World War I, at a cost of about $48,000, and was dedicated in 1921. It was rebuilt in 1931, and opened to the public without fanfare in 1932. It is the final resting place for remains of an unknown American warrior from World War I, World War II, and the Korean war. It symbolizes that no American who dies in battle is forgotten. For about thirteen years, remains of an individual killed in action in Vietnam were also entombed there, but a controversy led to DNA testing on the remains, and they were subsequently identified in 1998 as those of United States Air Force First Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blassie. The marble for the Tomb of the Unknowns is a very fine, white marble quarried by the Vermont Marble Company from the Yule Marble Quarry in Colorado. The Lincoln Memorial and several other famous buildings were also built of this marble. The Tomb consists of seven pieces of rectangular marble weighing a total of nearly 80 tons. Carved on the east side of the Tomb are three figures, commemorating the spirit of the Allies of World War I. In the center of the panel stands Victory (female); on the right, a male figure symbolizes Valor; on the left stands Peace, extending her palm branch to reward the devotion, sacrifice, and courage which made the cause triumphant. The north and south sides are divided into three panels by Doric pilasters. In each panel is an inverted wreath. On the west, or rear, panel is inscribed: HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment ("Old Guard"). This exceptional unit is legendary in its commitment to the Tomb. Each sentinel must be of exemplary character, and undergoes an extremely exacting training and disciplined routine throughout the two-year term of service. It is said that much of the day (outside the actual ceremonial activity) is spent preparing the uniform for the next duty. Their "charge of honor" continues 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather conditions. Continuity is the key to the respect shown to these honored dead, symbolic of all unaccounted-for American combat dead. Some interesting facts about the Sentinel's duty: 1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns and why? Twenty-one steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. 2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? Twenty-one seconds for the same reason as answer number 1. 3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. 4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time? No, he carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face, and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. 5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. 6. What are the physical requirements for a guard? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30 inches. Return to Home Page