Introduction to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, USA. It is dedicated to the memory of American soldiers who died in wars without their remains being identified. The monument itself is a sarcophagus made of white marble and was designed by architect Thomas Hudson Jones.
The Significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies in its representation of the thousands of soldiers who have been lost in wars, but who remain unaccounted for. It serves as a symbol of respect and remembrance for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and reminds visitors of the importance of remembering the past.
The Inscription on the Tomb
The inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reads: "Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known But to God." This inscription has been in place since the tomb was first dedicated in 1921.
The History of the Inscription
The inscription was chosen by a committee of six individuals, which included the architect and representatives from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The phrase was inspired by the words of the British poet Rudyard Kipling, who wrote of "a soldier of the unknown" in his poem "Epitaphs of War."
The Meaning of the Inscription
The inscription on the tomb carries great significance, as it acknowledges the sacrifice made by the unknown soldier, who is buried within. It also represents the sacrifice made by all soldiers who have died in wars, but whose remains have never been identified. The phrase "Known But to God" emphasizes the solemnity and respect with which the soldier’s memory is regarded.
"Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier…"
The first part of the inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is "Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier." This phrase emphasizes the honor and esteem with which the soldier’s memory is regarded, and acknowledges the significance of their sacrifice to their country.
"…Known But to God"
The second part of the inscription, "…Known But to God," emphasizes the solemnity and respect with which the soldier’s memory is held. It also acknowledges the fact that the identity of the soldier remains a mystery, and that they will forever be remembered simply as a symbol of the sacrifice made by all soldiers who have died in wars.
The Evolution of the Inscription
The inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has remained unchanged since it was first dedicated in 1921. However, there have been modifications to the surrounding area, including the addition of the plaza and the changing of the guard ceremony.
The Elaborate Ceremonies Held at the Tomb
The changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place every hour of every day, is a solemn and elaborate ritual, representing the respect and remembrance with which the tomb is regarded. The ceremony includes a series of precise and choreographed movements, and is carried out by members of the United States Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment.
The Importance of the Tomb to American Society
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is an important symbol of respect and remembrance for all those who have sacrificed their lives in wars. It represents the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers, and encourages visitors to remember and honor those who have died in the service of their country.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Respect and Remembrance
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a significant symbol of respect and remembrance for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The inscription on the tomb represents the solemnity and respect with which the memory of the unknown soldier is held, and serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering the past.
Sources for Further Reading
- "Tomb of the Unknowns." Arlington National Cemetery. (accessed December 3, 2021).
- "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier." History. (accessed December 3, 2021).
- "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier." Smithsonian National Museum of American History. (accessed December 3, 2021).
