Arlington Tomb of the Unknown

Hurricanes are said to be the most destructive force of nature. We in the eastern United States know that power well. Now we are fortunate to have warnings before fury strikes. When Galveston was hit in the early 1900s and Long Island in the 1940s, with so many lives lost, people were going about their everyday affairs when devastration came. It has been almost two years since northern Virginia was visited by the fury and destruction of Hurricane Isabel, 19 September 2003. Our neighborhood weathered the storm quite well. However, my son’s neighborhood, which is nearer to the Potomac and Washington City was without power for more than a week. For a few days it was not even safe to drink tap water.

A heartwarming story to remember from the frightening day of Isabel’s visit is that the soldier sentries guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery remained at their posts. A contingency plan had been made if the hurricane’s winds reached 120 mph. In that case the guards could retreat to take up positions in the trophy room, above tomb plaza, which has a clear view of the sepulcher. This plan was not put into effect. The sentries never left their posts during the howling winds and downpours.

God bless them and their comrades in arms for unfailing dedication to the tomb of an unknown serviceman, a man who represents all American soldiers. By honoring the courage, valor, and sacrifice of the unknown soldier, they honor also all of those in military service, because when called upon, they will do no less than did the unknown. By honoring these dead, we stand in awe of the deeds of the living.

There are three sets of remains in the tomb; from World War I, World War II and the Korean War. There was a fourth soldier’s remains from the Vietnam War which were disinterred and identified to be buried in his hometown.

Story of Hurricane Isabel and Arlington Cemetery

Arlington Cemetery

Historic Photographs of Arlington Cemetery

Arlington Tomb of the Unknowns

Gravesite Photographs from Arlington