It is an extremely high honor to serve as a Tomb Guard.įewer than 20 percent of volunteers are accepted for training, and of those only a few pass the training to become a Tomb Guard. Infantry Regiment (also called 'The Old Guard'). The Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded by the Tomb Guards, a special platoon within the 3rd U.S. Even bad weather doesn't interrupt the watch. The Tomb of the Unknowns has been guarded continuously - 24 hours per day, 7 days per week - since July 2, 1937. On its northern and southern sides are six wreaths that represent the six major battles of World War I. On its western side are the following words: On its eastern side are three Greek figures that represent Peace, Victory and Valor. The Tomb of the Unknowns is made of white marble.

The Tomb of the Unknowns contains the remains of unidentified soldiers from several wars. The Tomb of the Unknowns has become a popular monument dedicated to American service members who have died unidentified. In the United States, the Tomb of the Unknowns (often called the ' Tomb of the Unknown Soldier') is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Many of them have become frequently visited national monuments. Today, there are many such memorials around the world. That one soldier would then serve as a symbol of the sacrifice of all the unknown soldiers who died in battle. After World War I, a movement began to honor unidentified soldiers with a single tomb that would contain the body of a single unknown soldier. Sometimes, though, fallen soldiers remain unidentified. Whenever possible, their remains are identified and sent home, so that their families can give them a proper burial. On this day, we take time to honor all people who have served honorably in the military, both living and deceased veterans, in wartime and peacetime.Īll throughout history, millions of soldiers have died in battle in countless wars. Veterans Day is a holiday observed in the United States on November 11 each year to honor all those who have served in the military.

What is the tomb of the unknown soldier