On November 11, 1921, in a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, President Warren G. Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring an unidentified American serviceman who had died in World War I. The tomb, situated prominently on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C., symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice of all U.S. military personnel whose identities remain unknown, standing as a powerful emblem of national respect and remembrance for those who served but were lost without recognition.
The idea for the tomb originated after World War I, which saw unprecedented levels of casualties and left many bodies unidentifiable. France and Great Britain had already honored their unknown dead with similar monuments, and the United States soon followed. The concept gained support in 1920, with legislation introduced by Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr. of New York, a former Army officer who had served in the war. This legislation authorized the burial of one unknown American soldier at Arlington, creating a monument for all the unidentified soldiers who had given their lives in service to their country. The initiative aimed to give grieving families a place to mourn, even if their loved ones had no known graves.
The selection process for the unknown soldier began in France. Four bodies of unidentified American soldiers were exhumed from different World War I cemeteries. From these, one was chosen to represent all fallen but unnamed servicemen. This unidentified soldier was transported to the United States aboard the USS Olympia, Admiral George Dewey’s historic flagship, and arrived to great national interest and reverence. Once on American soil, the unknown soldier lay in state at the Capitol Rotunda, where thousands of citizens paid their respects, lining up for hours to honor the nameless hero.
The dedication ceremony at Arlington Cemetery was filled with symbolism and solemnity. President Harding, along with high-ranking military officials, diplomats, and citizens from across the country, attended the event. The president’s remarks emphasized the unity of the American people and the undying gratitude owed to those who served, regardless of their identity or status. In a profound gesture of homage, Harding awarded the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross to the unknown soldier. Representatives from foreign nations, including France, Great Britain, Italy, and Belgium, also laid wreaths and offered their highest military honors, recognizing the shared sacrifices made by their soldiers alongside Americans in the brutal conflict.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier quickly became a focal point of national remembrance, especially on Armistice Day, which would later become Veterans Day. Originally, the tomb consisted of a simple white marble slab with the inscription “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” However, as the years passed, the tomb became more elaborate. In 1931, the current structure was completed, adding an ornate white marble sarcophagus that includes three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. The tomb’s west panel bears the inscription, “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God,” which serves as an enduring reminder of sacrifice and anonymity in service to the nation.
Over the years, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has expanded to honor the unknown dead from other conflicts, with additional crypts added for unknown soldiers from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day by the elite Sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” This unbroken vigil signifies the nation’s unwavering commitment to remembering those who have served selflessly, regardless of whether their names or stories are known.
The tomb stands as a place of reflection and gratitude, embodying the sacrifices of countless American servicemen and women whose ultimate acts of bravery remain unrecognized by name. President Harding’s dedication marked the beginning of a cherished national tradition that continues to remind Americans of the cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of those who gave everything in its defense.
