Honoring the Unknowns

1 month ago

Honoring the Unknowns

Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

This article has been written for the American Gold Star Mothers, which will be featured on their members’ quarterly newsletter and blog post on Facebook and through the following link: American Gold Star Mothers News & Blog

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery is a gravesite and national shrine for unknown soldiers from World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Established originally by legislation, the body of an unidentified American soldier from World War I was buried in 1921. This was in accordance with an international movement to recognize those who gave their lives and identities, and perhaps were still missing, on the battlefields of World War I, which saw combat and violence rise to levels never before imaginable. Each crypt also represents those unidentified or still missing from the from the wars they memorialize.

This shrine has become a pilgrimage site for all who are grateful for sacrifices made by American servicemembers. United States Presidents, foreign heads of state, and other dignitaries visit to pay their respects. Bereaved family members and friends visit as if it was the grave of their loved ones. Americans of all ethnic backgrounds and creeds feel compelled to visit and observe both silence and respect in its presence. Specially selected and trained Sentinels, often referred to as Tomb Guards, protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier each day. They carry on the tradition of Americans who guarded the Unknowns in the past, including the posting of civilian guards in 1925, military guards in 1926, and 24-hour military guards, who have performed the duty perpetually since 1937.

The Society is a non-profit association organized expressly for and wholly committed to preserving the unique history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of the Unknown servicemen buried on the east plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater as well as the empty crypt dedicated to our nations missing, and protecting and enhancing the welfare and image of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier past and present.

As listed in detail on our website at https://tombguard.org/society, our mission involves honoring the Unknowns, preserving history related to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, educating the public, recognizing and developing camaraderie among Tomb Guards (past and present), and supporting the Soldiers actively serving in the Tomb Guard platoon.

Honoring the Unknowns:

• The Society honors the Unknowns through all its activities involved in preserving history and educating the public.
• Conducted many years of remembrance ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to include Society rose and wreath ceremonies associated with reunions.
• WWI Centennial ceremonies in the United States and France, U.S.S. Olympia ceremonies in Philadelphia, and numerous Never Forget Garden dedications

The Society is a non-profit association organized expressly for and wholly committed to preserving the unique history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of the Unknown servicemen buried on the east plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater as well as the empty crypt dedicated to our nations missing, and protecting and enhancing the welfare and image of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier past and present.

As listed in detail on our website at https://tombguard.org/society, our mission involves honoring the Unknowns, preserving history related to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, educating the public, recognizing and developing camaraderie among Tomb Guards (past and present), and supporting the Soldiers actively serving in the Tomb Guard platoon.

Honoring the Unknowns:

• The Society honors the Unknowns through all its activities involved in preserving history and educating the public.
• Conducted many years of remembrance ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to include Society rose and wreath ceremonies associated with reunions.
• WWI Centennial ceremonies in the United States and France, U.S.S. Olympia ceremonies in Philadelphia, and numerous Never Forget Garden dedications.

Achieving our mission and fulfilling our purpose ensures that Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives and identities for our freedom will not be forgotten and that the American public understands this price of freedom.

“Soldiers never die until they are forgotten…

Tomb Guards Never Forget.”