Today’s blog is a guest post from a young lady in middle school, writing about the Tomb of the Unknowns, which she will be visiting during an upcoming trip to our nation’s capitol. She seeks to win the priviledge to place a wreath upon the tomb if her essay is chosen by her teachers. I will let you know in a future post if she wins. For now, enjoy:
Dearest family,
I write to you on the night of the German invasion. I do not know if I will live through my eighteenth year, or even tomorrow. But I pray I will be remembered by you, and all of America, should I make the ultimate sacrifice.
In 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was developed to honor soldiers like these. It is the resting place for the unidentified remains from the wars of the twentieth century. This tomb has become a part of our history, and allows us to remember the wars, especially the soldiers who fought in them. Science has advanced, resulting in the DNA identification and closure of the tomb. However, the significance of the soldiers lost and unknown from earlier wars remains the same. The courageous soldiers who sacrificed their futures to benefit ours will never become obsolete, and neither will their tomb.
Thump, thump, the shined shoes of the guard make the twenty-one steps across the monument. The guard is perfectly assembled, resembling a toy soldier more than a person. He will never stray out of place, and will stand guard precisely until his shiftis over. Twenty-four hours a day, three-hundred-sixty-five days a year The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded in this manner, to honor and protect the unidentified remains of the brave people who gave their lives for our nation. For nearly a century, we have had military bearers present, and have held wreath laying ceremonies at this monument. The ceremonies have become a tradition of respect and honor that continues to move the crowds that are drawn to the tomb. The soldiers deserve all of this honor, for they have laid down their lives for America. The tomb and these rituals are small deeds compared to what the soldiers have done for us, and they should be continued as a symbol of our immense gratitude toward them.
History is the story of how our nation came to be, and it is very valuable. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in the Arlington Cemetery, has become a significant part of our history. This monument isn’t only a piece of history itself, but it also encourages us to remember the historical events it represents. It is a memorial to the dead of both World Wars, The Korean War, and The Vietnam War. Over four million people visit this beautiful tomb every year, to watch the changing of the guard, the laying of the wreath, and to view a part of our history.
Our lives are radically different from a few centuries ago, and this is because of the rapid advancement in science. In the 1920’s, when the tomb was built, we were unable to identify the remains from the soldiers, due to the fact that DNA testing was unavailable. To be able to honor these important people, it was decided that a single tomb would be made, and the Unknown Soldier inside would represent all the soldiers with unidentified remains. “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” is the sentence that is inscribed on the tomb. Today, we have developed a way to test DNA to determine and identify remains. But knowing names of the soldiers does not change what they have done for our country. The monument may not hold the Unknown Soldier anymore, but it does hold a Medal of Honor, to honor all of the unknown heroes who have defended the ideals of the flag, and sacrificed their lives in the process.
We continue to hold wreath laying ceremonies and have military bearers present at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor the brave men and women who fought for our nation, and to recognize the historical significance of the tomb. Knowing who the Unknown Soldier is doesn’t change what they have done for our country, and it does not make The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier obsolete. Our history must be remembered and valued forever.
Dear Unknown Soldier,
Thank you for sacrificing your future, and your life for the better of mine, and for the entire country. You will be remembered by all of America for what you have done.
Thanks for writing such a great essay. May it be said that the apple does not fall far from the tree!
Bill Cook
