The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and national remembrance, commemorating military personnel whose remains are unidentified. For over a century, since its dedication in 1921, this hallowed site at Arlington National Cemetery has drawn millions, yet a surprising amount of misinformation surrounds its history and protocols. Misconceptions about the Unknown Soldier are remarkably common, often obscuring the deep reverence and careful care dedicated to this enduring memorial.
Key Takeaways
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier currently honors unidentified service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, with the Vietnam Unknown removed in 1998.
- The Sentinels guarding the Tomb are elite members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), undergoing an exceptionally rigorous training and selection process.
- The “unknown” status of the interred soldiers is determined through exhaustive forensic and historical research, ensuring no identifiable remains are placed there.
- Specific, highly symbolic rules govern every aspect of the Tomb’s guard changes and ceremonies, reflecting deep respect and tradition rather than arbitrary decisions.
- The Tomb’s location at Arlington National Cemetery was chosen for its prominence and accessibility, making it a central point for national mourning and honor.
Myth 1: The Tomb contains an Unknown Soldier from every major American conflict.
A widespread belief suggests that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier holds representatives from every significant war the United States has fought. This isn’t accurate. While the spirit of the Tomb certainly extends to all unidentified fallen service members, the physical interments are specific. The Tomb currently contains the remains of one unknown service member from World War I, one from World War II, and one from the Korean War. There was an Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War interred in 1984, but advances in DNA technology led to his identification in 1998 as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Blassie. His remains were subsequently removed and reinterred by his family, leaving the Vietnam crypt vacant. This decision, while painful for some, underscored the commitment to scientific accuracy and personal identification when possible, even for those once deemed “unknown.” The Tomb’s primary function is to honor those who cannot be identified, not necessarily to represent every single conflict.
Myth 2: The Sentinels are chosen randomly for their duty.
The Sentinels who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are far from randomly selected. They are among the most elite and dedicated soldiers in the U.S. Army. These individuals belong to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), specifically its Company E. The selection process is incredibly demanding, focusing on physical stamina, mental fortitude, and an unwavering commitment to precision. Candidates undergo intense training, learning every detail of the guard change ceremony, the history of the Tomb, and the regulations governing their conduct. According to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, only a fraction of those who volunteer successfully earn the coveted Tomb Guard Identification Badge, and it is the second least-awarded badge in the U.S. Army, after the Astronaut Badge. This isn’t a ceremonial post for just anyone. It requires an extraordinary level of discipline and reverence for the fallen. Their commitment is palpable, a level of dedication that few outside the military truly grasp.
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Myth 3: The Sentinels walk exactly 21 steps because 21 is a “military number.”
The precise 21-step walk of the Sentinel, followed by 21 seconds of standing and facing the Tomb, is one of the most iconic aspects of the ceremony. While the number 21 holds significance, it’s not merely a generic “military number.” The 21-gun salute is an internationally recognized military honor, traditionally reserved for heads of state, national flags, and other high-ranking officials. The 21 steps and 21-second pause at the Tomb are a deliberate echo of this highest military honor. It’s a symbolic gesture, a perpetual 21-gun salute to the fallen who lie within. This isn’t some arbitrary tradition. It’s a deeply meaningful connection to a long-standing military protocol of supreme respect. The careful execution of these steps, the crisp turns, and the unwavering posture all reinforce the gravity of this continuous salute.
Myth 4: The Unknown Soldiers are truly unidentifiable, without any hope of ever knowing their names.
While the individuals interred as Unknown Soldiers were indeed unidentifiable at the time of their interment, the commitment to their anonymity is not an absolute, immutable decree. The process for selecting an Unknown Soldier is incredibly rigorous, ensuring that all possible avenues for identification have been exhausted. This often involves extensive forensic analysis of remains, examination of personal effects, and cross-referencing with casualty lists. For example, the selection process for the World War I Unknown involved careful review of unidentified remains from four American cemeteries in France, ensuring that no identifying tags or information were present. The case of the Vietnam Unknown, 1st Lt. Michael Blassie, demonstrates that advances in scientific methods, particularly DNA identification, can sometimes lead to breakthroughs. The initial intent is to honor those whose identities are lost to history, but the possibility of future identification, while rare, is not entirely ruled out by the U.S. government. One might argue that the commitment to finding answers, even decades later, speaks volumes about the value placed on each individual life lost in service.
Myth 5: Guards are disciplined for smiling or showing emotion.
The stoic demeanor of the Tomb Sentinels is legendary, leading many to believe that any display of emotion, including a smile, would result in severe disciplinary action. While Sentinels maintain an incredibly disciplined and expressionless posture during their duty, the focus is on reverence and professionalism, not on suppressing natural human reactions under all circumstances. The strict regulations govern their conduct while on post, emphasizing respect for the fallen and the solemnity of the memorial. The training instills a deep understanding of the purpose of their duty, which naturally leads to a serious and focused demeanor. It’s less about a punitive rule against smiling and more about the inherent gravity of the position. A Sentinel’s role is to embody unwavering honor, and that professionalism dictates a composed presence. However, outside of their official duty rotation, these are still human beings, and expecting them to be devoid of all human emotion at all times is unrealistic and misrepresents the nature of military discipline.
Myth 6: The Tomb is guarded 24/7 because of specific threats.
The continuous, 24-hour, 365-day-a-year guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is not primarily a response to specific, ongoing security threats, although general security is always a consideration for any high-profile national monument. Instead, the perpetual guard signifies unwavering respect and eternal vigilance for the sacrifices made by unidentified service members. It is a symbolic act, a continuous vigil that demonstrates the nation’s deep gratitude and commitment to remembering those who gave their lives. The guard has been maintained without interruption since 1937, even through severe weather events like hurricanes and blizzards, showing the enduring nature of this commitment. This continuous presence shows the idea that the honor due to these fallen heroes is timeless and ceaseless, not merely a response to transient concerns.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represents a deep national commitment to honoring sacrifice, a commitment upheld by careful tradition and the unwavering dedication of its Sentinels. Understanding the realities behind these common myths deepens our appreciation for this sacred site, reinforcing its enduring significance for military remembrance.
What is the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred memorial to all unidentified service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude and the deep cost of freedom.
Who is eligible to be interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Only unidentified service members whose remains cannot be identified through any available means are eligible for interment in the Tomb, representing those who made the ultimate sacrifice without individual recognition.
How long have Sentinels been guarding the Tomb?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been continuously guarded, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, since April 6, 1948, by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
Can civilians approach the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
While visitors are welcome at Arlington National Cemetery, civilians must maintain a respectful distance from the Tomb and observe the ceremonies from designated viewing areas, never approaching the Tomb or the Sentinels directly.
Are there other Tombs of the Unknown Soldier around the world?
Yes, many nations have their own Tombs of the Unknown Soldier or similar memorials to honor their unidentified fallen, reflecting a universal recognition of military sacrifice.
