As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, 2021, we also mark 100 years since the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was first dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
In the years since that dedication, the Tomb has served as the final resting place for remains of an unidentified fallen fighter from World War I, with remains from other war dead added in 1958 and 1984.
Throughout the life of the memorial, US Presidents have marked special occasions by laying a wreath as part of a ceremony, and visitors have paid their respects during the somber changing of the guard ritual. The Tomb is guarded nonstop by members of a special detail from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard.
Also in 2021, Arlington National Cemetery is reopening the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier memorial to the public, with several days of special ceremonies and celebrations, called “Commemorating a Century of Honor.” This will include, for the first time in nearly 100 years, the opportunity for the public to walk and lay flowers on the Tomb Plaza.
- With American attitudes changing on topics like foreign wars, how are views of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier changing?
- Do most Americans still know about the memorial and understand its significance?
- And what does our perception of the monument say about contemporary feelings of patriotism in America?
Listen as The Professors discuss these questions and more with Josh Dukelow on WHBY’s Fresh Take.
