In 1921, the United States of America witnessed the establishment of a hallowed memorial that would forever honor the sacrifices of unidentified fallen soldiers - the Tomb of the Unknowns, also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C., this solemn monument serves as a symbol of reverence and remembrance for all those who have given their lives in service to their country.

The idea for the Tomb of the Unknowns originated in the aftermath of World War I, a conflict that saw the loss of countless lives and left many families without closure or the ability to properly mourn their loved ones. Inspired by the concept of honoring the unknown soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, the United States government decided to establish a permanent memorial.

The tomb itself is a white marble sarcophagus situated atop a hill overlooking the nation's capital. It contains the remains of unidentified soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The inscription on the tomb reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God."

The dedication ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknowns took place on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, which later became known as Veterans Day. President Warren G. Harding presided over the event, paying tribute to the unknown soldiers and emphasizing the importance of honoring their sacrifices.

Since its establishment, the Tomb of the Unknowns has become a site of solemn reverence and national pride. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by soldiers from the United States Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard." These sentinels, known for their impeccable discipline and precision, maintain a constant vigil, ensuring that the memory of the unknown soldiers remains eternally honored.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every hour during the summer months and every two hours during the winter, is a poignant and meticulously choreographed ritual. The ceremony involves the meticulous inspection of the relief commander and the meticulous preparation and execution of the guard change. It is a solemn reminder of the soldiers' commitment to duty and the nation's gratitude for their service.

The Tomb of the Unknowns has become a place of pilgrimage for visitors from around the world. It serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have fought and died in defense of freedom. The tomb's location within Arlington National Cemetery, a sacred resting place for many American heroes, further enhances its significance and reinforces the bond between the living and the fallen.

Over the years, the Tomb of the Unknowns has undergone several renovations and enhancements to ensure its preservation and maintain its dignity. In 1958, the tomb was expanded to accommodate the remains of an unknown soldier from the Korean War. In 1984, a Vietnam War unknown was interred, and in 1998, another crypt was added for an unknown service member from the Vietnam War who had been identified through DNA testing.