Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971.
The holiday, which falls on May 27 this year, honors and mourns the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Many Americans observe the day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades.
Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served and died for their country. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude.
One of the most iconic memorials to remember those who have passed while serving the country is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Its history dates back to the end of World War I which left countless unidentified soldiers dead.
The tomb is inspired by similar memorials in Europe. The United States sought to create a monument to honor those who have given their lives in service to their country. The first Unknown Soldier was interred at the tomb with full military honors on November 11, 1921. The soldier’s identity represented all unidentified American casualties from World War I, and the tomb quickly became a national shrine, drawing Americans from across the country to pay their respects.
By 1958, two more unidentified soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were added to the tomb. And in 1984, an unidentified soldier from the Vietnam War was also interred, but in 1998, the soldier was later exhumed and identified through DNA testing.
Today, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a symbol of reverence and gratitude for the sacrifices made by American service members. It reminds us of the cost of freedom and the importance of honoring those who have given their lives to defend the country.
The tomb is guarded 24 hours, 365 days a year by soldiers known as the Sentinels. The specially trained unit maintains a constant vigil over the tomb and participate in a meticulously choreographed ceremony called the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb.
The ceremony takes place every hour on the hour from Oct.1 through March 31 of each year, and every half hour from April 1 through Sept. 30. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb sees an on-duty Sentinel relieved by a new Sentinel, and the soldiers perform a series of precise movements and rituals that symbolize the transfer of responsibility.
Those movements and rituals include a precise 21-step walk across the Tomb’s plaza, a sharp turn to face east for 21 seconds, a turn to face north for 21 seconds, and another 21-step walk before repeating the process. The number 21 symbolizes the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor.
The Tomb of the Unknown stands as a testament to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This Memorial Day, and every day, we remember those who have unselfishly served the United States. A grand salute to our brave soldiers!
