Tomb of the Known Soldier, War memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, United States
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial at Arlington that houses a marble sarcophagus decorated with relief panels depicting Peace, Victory, and Valor. This structure weighs approximately 79 tons and sits above the burial chamber containing the remains.
An unidentified World War I soldier was interred here in 1921 following a ceremony led by President Warren G. Harding. Additional crypts were later added for service members from other wars, including one from the Vietnam War that was emptied in 1998 after DNA testing identified the remains.
The memorial honors all military personnel who died in service, with its inscription reading 'Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known But to God'. Visitors from around the world come to pay respects and reflect on the sacrifices made across generations.
Members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment maintain a constant guard at the site, with the changing of the guard occurring at regular intervals throughout the day. Visit early in the morning or in the evening to experience the site with fewer crowds and in a more reflective setting.
The Vietnam War crypt was emptied in 1998 after DNA testing identified the remains as those of a specific Air Force officer named Michael Joseph Blassie. This unusual resolution meant that one of the few unknowns entombed here was finally identified and could be buried in his family's chosen location.
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