Who is buried in the Unknown Soldier's Tomb in Washington, DC?

On March 4th, 1921, Congress approved a memorial to all those soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.

The sarcophagus contains the remains of a soldier who died in Europe, and was chosen at random by Sgt. Edward F. Younger, a soldier who was highly decorated and received the Distinguished Service Medal. He chose the third of four caskets bearing the remains of four unknown soldiers. The other three were interred in France. The third casket was sent home to America, where it lay in State in the Capitol Rotunda, and was interred at it's present location on November 11, 1921, with President Warren G. Harding presiding.

Other deceased unknown soldiers are also placed in the Plaza, to the west of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in flush tombs decorated by white marble.

Those who have died, "...Known only to God..." are perpetually guarded 24/7/365 regardless of weather. These men volunteer for this service. The Tomb is never left unguarded.

More Info: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil

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47 Comments

dogwood

It is the most humbling experience to visit the tomb and see the homage paid to this unknown and all those who have given their lives in service to our great country. I have visited often and am brought to tears each time. God bless all of them!

Lisa Rodrigues

To ensure a truly random selection, four unknown soldiers were exhumed from four different WWI American cemeteries in France. U.S. Army Sgt. Edward F. Younger, who was wounded in combat and received the Distinguished Service Medal, was chosen to select a soldier for burial at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington. There are three other soldiers buried at the tomb. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to select and pay tribute to the unknowns of World War II and Korea. The selection ceremonies and the interment of those unknowns took place in 1958. The Unknown of Vietnam was only unknown for a short time. After being placed into the tomb in 1984, the Unknown was exhumed in 1988. Thanks to mitochondrial DNA testing, Department of Defense scientists were able to identify the remains as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie. It was decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant. The crypt cover was replaced with a new inscription that now reads: Honoring and Keeping Faith with America's Missing Servicemen, 1958-1975.

Robert L Hutchison

I have been there in 1955 and witnessed the changing of the guards, which, even today when I view pictures, affects me...

jmathis

Thank you Miss Lisa. I didn't realize I was so ignorant to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. John.

homeducater

Lisa Rodrigues, I thought there were 4 soldiers there. That's why I was so confused when I had to pick one.

diamonddeb

This one was hard for me because there was more than 1 person Entomb there and I knew the one was from WW1 but not real sure about the others and felt conflicted, as they were suppose to remain unknown and that changed some time ago. They ALL should be Honored.

Charles J. Russell III

Why didn’t they bury all 4 on that spot?

Marie Mastrain Suppa

Love these

vasily tchaikovsky

Good Q and A. Thanks.People sould know

Cynthia Markle

Now that's respect 🇱🇷🇱🇷❤

Bewick Finzer

Joy Stewart, another internet corrector , just leave it alone ,we don't need people like you correcting anyone. Keep it to yourself.

blharris

I have yet to visit the tomb

Helen Christopulos LoBosco

I got it. Sorry for the families. I had three brothers who served; 2 in WWII and one Korea. They all survived and came home. Being the last of 5 children, saw too much anxiety and grief with Mother. Thank God my brothers survived. There were several we knew who did not.