The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands on a hill in Arlington National Cemetery, overlooking Washington, DC. Its white marble monument honors unidentified American service members, and a sentinel keeps watch as part of a long-running military tradition. The changing of the guard is the central moment of a visit: measured steps and exact movements give the ceremony its quiet force. Take time to see the tomb and its surroundings, and observe the silence and boundaries that preserve the dignity of this place.

A memorial to unidentified service members

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is in Arlington National Cemetery, on a hill overlooking Washington, DC. Its white marble monument honors American service members whose remains could not be identified. The memorial is associated with the World Wars and the Korean War, and it also commemorates those who died in Vietnam.

The first unknown soldier interred here represented American service members killed in World War I. In 1921, four unknown soldiers were exhumed from American cemeteries in France. Sgt. Edward F. Younger selected one of the caskets for burial at the tomb. The memorial’s inscription reads: “Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God.”

Watching the changing of the guard

Sentinels from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, keep watch at the tomb. During the relief ceremony, one sentinel is replaced by another in a sequence of deliberate movements that includes an inspection of the weapon and a salute. The guard change is a tradition at the site, with the watch continuing day and night.

The ceremony is a focused moment in a larger cemetery visit. Arrive a little early if you want to watch, and stay silent while it is under way. Keep to the marked viewing area and follow the boundaries around the tomb. The respect shown by visitors is part of the quiet atmosphere of the memorial.