For anyone who lives outside the U.S, or maybe you may know it, there is a Tomb at Arlington National Cemetery which is dedicated to Unknown soldiers of the many wars the United States has been a part of for example; World War I and World War II and the Korean War. It's called Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as there are about 3 soldiers buried there for who are sadly unknown...no one knows there identities, but they fought for their country making the ultimate sacrifice and this tomb is to remember them and others, and as Tradition the President or a representative who place a wreath at the site on Memorial Day and Veterans day as to pay respect....but let's not stick around in the introduction to talk about it and go right into it, here is Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Wars Abroad category in story of america cards.

(What is The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?)

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a historic funerary monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States. The World War I "Unknown" is a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross, and several other foreign nations' highest service awards. The U.S. Unknowns who were interred are also recipients of the Medal of Honor, presented by U.S. presidents who presided over their funerals. The monument has no officially designated name.

("Known but to God")

In 1921, three years after the end of World War I, six American soldiers who were serving with the occupation forces in Germany arrived at Chalons Sur-Maine, France. A U.S. Army colonel met them outside a local chapel and announced: "Men, it is my task to choose one of you to perform a great and sacred duty." in his hand he held a bouquet of roses.

Then, turning Sergeant Edward Younger, one of the six soldiers, the colonel said: "In this church are four caskets. Go into the church. Put a rose on one of the caskets. That is all." Younger walked into the chapel, walked around the caskets three times, and suddenly stopped. He believed he heard a voice that seemed to say "This is a pal of yours."

Younger put one rose on the coffin in front of him and walked back out into the sunlight. That was how the Unknown Soldier of World War I was selected. His body was brought to Washington D.C., shortly after that to lie in state on the same catafalque (a shroud-covered pedestal) first used when President Abraham Lincoin was assassinated in 1865.

Later, the Unknown Soldier's body was placed in a tomb on the plaza of Arlington Memorial Amphitheater. This shrine is located in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, and is now known as the Tomb of the Unknowns. Together with the body of the World War I victim are Unknown Soldiers from World War II and the Korean War.

In 1926 Congress commissioned sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones and architect Lorimer Rich to design a white marble block with Doric pilasters on the sides and corners. The figures on the east face of the monument symbolize Valor, Victory, and Peace. On the opposite face, toward the amphitheater, is a simple inscription: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.

The last stone of the memorial was set in place on December 31st, 1931, and the public first viewed the tomb on April 9th 1932.

A special guard of honor maintains a day-and-night vigil over the Tomb. Members of the Tomb Guard are assigned to the Honor Guard Company of the 1st Battle Group, 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard). They must meet rigid qualifications, present an outstanding soldierly appearance, and stand between 5 '10 (1.8 m.) and 6'2 (1.9 m.), tall.

During those hours when the cemetery is open to the public, there is a formal "changing of the guard" on the honor.

(Ending)

And that's all on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Wars Abroad category in the Story of America cards so, Hope you enjoyed and learned something from it, and I'll see you next time in the next card I review or other stuff I do, so bye.