During the 85 MPH winds in Arlington, someone captured footage of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Sobering Experience
Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., is a truly remarkable and humbling experience. It is a place that demands respect and reverence.
A key element of this experience is witnessing the dedication and precision of the members of the Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment — famously known as “The Old Guard.” These soldiers march 21 steps behind the tomb, pausing for 21 seconds to face east, then another 21 seconds to face north, before retracing their 21 steps back down a mat.
What makes this even more awe-inspiring is the fact that they do this 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless of the weather conditions, they continue their solemn duty.
Whether it’s raining, snowing, or even when the winds in the D.C. area reach speeds of 60 to 85 mph, the guard remains steadfast. They lean into the wind and continue their march, undeterred by the elements.
We couldn’t be prouder of the @USArmyOldGuard Soldiers who watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Winds reached 60-85 mph in the DC region. This sentinel leans into it and continues marching.
Honor. https://t.co/WcGAnSl8xL
— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) July 30, 2023
Twenty-one steps, 21 seconds, 21 seconds, then back. No matter what the weather may be, these soldiers carry out their duty with unwavering commitment.
The guard represents a kind of nobility, just as the monument they protect does. The tomb itself holds the remains of an unidentified U.S. soldier from World War I, who was interred there following a funeral ceremony on November 11, 1921.
The tradition of guarding the tomb began in 1926, when soldiers from nearby Fort Myer were stationed there to prevent people from climbing or stepping on the tomb. Initially, this duty was only performed during daylight hours, but in 1937, it extended to a 24/7 operation.
Before the advancements in technology, it was common for wars to leave many unidentified dead. This was especially true before the U.S. Civil War, when American war dead were often buried in mass graves.
At Arlington National Cemetery, there are also 2,111 unknown Union and Confederate soldiers from the Civil War, most of whom perished in the Battle of Bull Run in nearby Manassas, Virginia, and other battles in the surrounding countryside.
It is estimated that nearly half of those who lost their lives in the Civil War remained unidentified. This is a testament to the scale of the sacrifices made during that tumultuous time in our nation’s history.
During World War I, U.S. soldiers who died in Europe were initially buried near where they fell. However, their families were given the option to have their remains repatriated. In October 1921, four unidentified military individuals were exhumed, and one was chosen to be transported to Arlington.
The unknown soldier lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on November 10, 1921, and was honored by approximately 90,000 people paying their respects. The following day, a solemn procession carried the unknown soldier to his final resting place at Arlington.
In 1958, the remains of an unknown soldier from World War II and another from the Korean War were interred in a crypt to the west of the World War I Unknown Soldier. These three represent the sacrifices made in different theaters of war.
While the Vietnam War claimed the lives of approximately 58,000 American military personnel, only one individual was not identified and was laid to rest at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1984. However, through research and DNA evidence in 1998, this casualty was identified as 1st Lt. Michael Blassie, a pilot shot down in 1972. His remains were subsequently moved to St. Louis.
The crypt for the Vietnam War Unknown Soldier remains vacant, but it serves as a poignant reminder of the service members who went missing in action during that conflict.
Despite the countless U.S. war dead who have never been identified, particularly before the 20th century, our nation continues to honor and remember them. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a symbol of our gratitude and respect.
Day and night, in all weather conditions, the tomb guard remains vigilant. Their dedication and unwavering commitment to honoring the unknown soldiers is truly remarkable.
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