Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Military memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, US
Description
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a white marble monument built on a hillside within Arlington National Cemetery to honor service members who died without their identities being recovered. The sarcophagus displays three carved panels depicting allegorical figures, along with six inverted wreaths that represent different battles from World War I.
History
The monument was dedicated on November 11, 1921, after one unidentified soldier was chosen from among four sets of remains exhumed from French battlefields. Additional crypts for service members from World War II and the Korean War were added later, making the site represent several conflicts from the 20th century.
Culture
Soldiers from the 3d Infantry Regiment perform the Changing of the Guard ceremony with precise movements and measured steps, following a routine that visitors usually watch in silence. The inscription on the marble refers to a service member whose name was never recovered, creating a moment that many people use for personal reflection.
Practical
Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every hour between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily and involves soldiers rotating positions with a fixed ritual. The site sits on elevated ground within the cemetery grounds, so expect a short walk from the entrance.
Did you know?
The crypt for the Vietnam War has remained empty since 1998, after DNA testing identified the remains as those of Air Force Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blassie. His remains were later returned to his family and buried elsewhere, making this the only crypt without occupant.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Arlington National Cemetery).
Arlington National Cemetery
310 m
Confederate Memorial
437 m
Arlington Memorial Amphitheater
65 m
Civil War Unknowns Monument
454 m
USS Maine Mast Memorial
212 m
Laos Memorial
431 m
Rough Riders Memorial
341 m
McKee Grave
510 m
McClellan Gate
517 m
Tanner Amphitheater
458 m
Spanish-American War Memorial
226 m
Spanish-American War Nurses Memorial
282 m
Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial (Arlington National Cemetery)
469 m
Grave of Emerson H. Liscum
416 m
Battle of the Bulge Memorial
341 m
Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial
62 m
3rd Infantry Division Memorial
122 m
USS Serpens Memorial
174 m
Jewish Chaplains Memorial
371 mGrave of Philip Kearny
379 mMiles Mausoleum
333 mCanadian Cross of Sacrifice
473 mRock of the Marne
140 mChallenger Space Shuttle Memorial
160 mIran Rescue Mission Memorial
158 mColumbia Space Shuttle Memorial
155 mUSS Serpens Monument
405 mDenkmal Schlacht in den Ardennen
329 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes