The Tomb of the Unknowns

Fellow Americans,

World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles (near Versailles, France) on June 28, 1919. The fighting between Germany and the Allies actually ended seven months earlier at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. November 11, 1918 was originally known as Armistice Day and was later changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. military members, past and present.

On November 11, 1921, to honor all of the fallen soldiers of “The Great War”, an unknown American soldier who died in battle during World War I was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. This resting place is known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Due to a lack of respect from the public, civilians voluntarily guarded the tomb from 1923 to 1926, at which time the U.S. Army took over. Some incredible facts of the Army’s Tomb Guards are:

  • They guard the tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in every type of weather condition

  • Their assignment is for a 2-year period

  • During the first six months, they study the heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery and cannot speak to anyone or watch TV

  • They live in barracks beneath the tomb

  • They promise not to drink alcoholic beverages or swear for the rest of their lives

  • They promise not to disgrace the uniform or tomb in any way

Because unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War also rest there, the name of the tomb was changed to The Tomb of the Unknowns. Some interesting facts about the tomb are:

  • It is made of marble from Colorado, weighs 79 tons, and cost $48,000

  • On the north and south panels of the tomb are six wreaths which represent the six major battles of World War I

  • On the east side of the tomb are figures that represent peace, victory, and valor

  • On the west side of the tomb is the inscription, “Here Rests In Honored Glory
    An American Soldier Known But To God”

Friends, please remember all of America’s heroes in your prayers. Let us learn how their sacrifices benefited the world and let us teach our children of their sacrifices. May God bless you and the United States of America!

Dan Landi

Kidder, MO

The Caldwell County News

101 South Davis
P.O. Box 218
Hamilton, MO 64644
Phone: 816-583-2116
news@mycaldwellcounty.com

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