Statues and Memorials:
Located in Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va., the Tomb of the Unknowns stands on top of a hill facing east toward Washington, DC Also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it was constructed to mark the grave of an unidentified American soldier from World War I. The Tomb is made of white Yule marble and is rectangular in shape with columns set into the surface. In total, it weighs approximately 124 tons and is over 8 feet tall. The side that faces Washington, DC contains three Greek figures that are engraved into the marble and represent Peace, Victory, and Valor. The back on the Tomb has the following inscribed:
The Tomb was placed above the grave of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, and was opened for public visitation on April 9, 1932.
Since the first interment (burial) of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, there have been three graves added for unknowns from World War II, Korea, and the Vietnam War. These unknowns were interred with their graves laid to the west of the World War I unknown. Due to the results of a DNA test in 1998, the Vietnam Unknown was identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael J. Blassie. His remains were removed (disinterred) from the grave site and it has been decided that the grave of the Vietnam Unknown will remain empty. To learn more, check out Arlington National Cemetery's Web site. Information on the Tomb Guard may be found at the Society of the Honor Guard's Web site. |