Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Take 2

After my most recent post of facts about the tomb of the unknown soldier, I have received some requests to further explain the significance of the historical monument located in Arlington, VA.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a national monument that has been dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Services who have died in combat without their remains being identified.  It contains the remains of unknown soldiers from World Wars I and II and the Vietnam War.  There are three people total inside the tomb.  Each soldier was presented with the Medal of honor at the time of internment.  These medals and the flags that covered their caskets are on display near the tomb.  I do not know why they do not have a soldier from the Iraq War or Afghanistan.  I personally believe it is because war was never officially declared by the President in either situation.

Here is an article I found online that does a wonderful job explaining the significance of the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier:


In Rememberence of Those not Remembered, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
by: J.G. Sparks
          The Tomb of the Unknowns is a stunning and momentous memorial. The meaning of it is unlike any other, honoring those unidentified who have fallen and served for our country along with anyone who served during WWI, WWII, Korean and the Vietnam War. The tomb has a great importance; it represents the soldiers who lost their lives and their futures so we could have better ones. The soldiers represented at the tomb are those who were buried with no name, the Tomb was given so that they could be honored even without a name the only one who knows who they are is God, as stated in the Tomb's inscription, "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier, known but to God." I am very inspired by this Tomb, having the once in a life time privilege to lay a wreath at it would be a treasured memory. I greatly desire to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns to give my respect for those who have fallen for the freedom of America, to show my appreciation for those currently serving in the military, and finally to show how proud I am of my country and the men who have served in wars being represented by the Tomb of The Unknowns.
          Those who have fallen for freedom of America have given more than we can ever hope to have received. Because of our soldiers, we have the freedoms and rights we have and have come to take for granted today. Because of the freedom they gave us, it is important for us to honor them and give our respect. Many things that have come from their sacrifice are freedoms such as the freedom of speech. Its important that we are able to let our views and opinions be known and to not be persecuted because of them. America has many rights and privileges that we could not have if not for the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers. The Tomb of the Unknowns is a memory of those soldiers who have fought for freedom and to protect the achievements of America. To lay the wreath in respect for their sacrifice and valor would be a memorable experience.
Also to show my gratification to those who are currently serving in the armed services, I would like to lay the wreath. They have left their families and 
homes to serve for what they think is right, to let Iraq know the rights and the freedoms that we are so fortunate to have. To protect America and its amazing people and rights, American soldiers are simply Americans who care enough and know what they want to protect. They are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and friends serving us proudly.

          There is no greater love as stated in John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." They deserve to be honored and respected, they are able to wear the uniform and be called a Soldier of America. I think each one is different; each one has a different reason why he joined the military, some for glory, some for college money and most because they wanted to serve their country. I believe even though each reason is different, deep down inside each soldier has a person or persons they want to protect. To lay the wreath for them would be the most rememberable thing ever!
          Finally, the Tomb of the Unknowns is a significant monument. I would be proud to love to lay the wreath at this Tomb to gibe my thanks and to show those who may look down from heaven and see that I truly do care. Even though I do not know who they are, and don't have any idea what they went through for my country, that I have the privilege to live here. The tomb is guarded twenty-four hours a day, seven days of the week, through winters and the rain, sun and scorching heat by the Old Guard. To be part of the Old Guard is an excellent achievement and one of the highest honors to receive in the military. The Old Guard are talented soldiers who guard the Tomb and are precise in everything they do, from the way they walk, to the way they handle their clothing and their perfectly white gloves. Everything that the Old Guard does has symbolism, from the 21 steps to the uniform to how the guns are held. They are an example of how essential the Tomb is, there is a continual vigil, a constant watching. The Tomb is so important and is a statement about how important the military is to America. and we keep honoring our fallen soldiers and hero's to high standards because they are crucial to us. The Tomb of the Unknowns is a tomb that represents our Heroes our soldiers. Every soldier that the Tomb stands for is a hero, some heroes only God can name. I want to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns so I can show how proud I am to be an American because of them, to show my thanks and to give my love.
          In conclusion, I would like to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns to honor those who have served for America, those who are serving and to honor the men who have served in any war at the Tomb of the Unknowns. I greatly hope you will let me lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns to give my respect to those who have fallen for the freedom of America, I want to show how proud I am of this country, and to show my thanks and my love.

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