Tomb of the Unknowns

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Arlington National Cemetery: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Arlington National Cemetery: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Memorial Amphitheater

Arlington National Cemetary.

Tomb of the Unknowns

cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, United States

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July 23, 2026

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Arlington National Cemetery: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — Arlington National Cemetery: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Soldiers of the Tomb Guard patrol the site 24 hours a day.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monumental grave in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, honoring unidentified military service members who died in wartime. It was established in 1921 to memorialize a soldier from World War I. Over time, remains from subsequent American wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, were added. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, a tradition that began in 1926 to ensure the site remains a dignified memorial to fallen heroes who served without recognition. Many other countries also maintain similar tombs to honor their war dead.123

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Arlington National Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown and other memorials
The cemetery also houses the Tomb of the Unknowns, also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was established in 1921 as the burial place for the Unknown Soldier of World War I. In 1932 a seven-piece Colorado-Yule marble sarcophagus, constructed at a cost of $48,000, was positioned…
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The cemetery also houses the Tomb of the Unknowns, also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was established in 1921 as the burial place for the Unknown Soldier of World War I. In 1932 a seven-piece Colorado-Yule marble sarcophagus, constructed at a cost of $48,000, was positioned…
Read More

Memorial Day
Traditions
…of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, and by religious services, parades, and speeches nationwide. Flags, insignia, and flowers are placed on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries. The day has also come to signal the beginning of summer in…
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…of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, and by religious services, parades, and speeches nationwide. Flags, insignia, and flowers are placed on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries. The day has also come to signal the beginning of summer in…
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Veterans Day
…held each year at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and floral tributes are placed on the graves of service men and women and at memorials throughout the country. Naturalization ceremonies have come to be an important part of the day’s activities.
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…held each year at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and floral tributes are placed on the graves of service men and women and at memorials throughout the country. Naturalization ceremonies have come to be an important part of the day’s activities.
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Why Is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guarded?
Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of respect for those who have served and died without recognition. The presence of guards ensures that the site remains a dignified and solemn place, reflecting the nation’s gratitude and reverence for its fallen heroes.
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Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of respect for those who have served and died without recognition. The presence of guards ensures that the site remains a dignified and solemn place, reflecting the nation’s gratitude and reverence for its fallen heroes.
Read More