The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — Attraction in Arlington

Utmost respect, discipline and highest rank among guard. representation of four wars USA faced.

tomb of the unknown soldier is basically a representation of solider died in WW1, WWII, Vietnam and the Korean War. one of a soldier from each war chosen and buried here. this tomb has been guarded 24x7x365, no matter what whatever the weather conditions are. changing of guard ceremony is main attraction (happens at every 30 minutes) here when next guard comes for duty, and again, they perform this in every weather, even in a storm. witnessing this ceremony is a feeling which cannot be described in words.

On the other side of the monument, is a large open amphitheater.

being a guard here is most challenging. one has to go through the intense training period and tougher than any training. Although military members are known for their neat uniforms, it’s said that the Tomb Guards have the highest standards of them all. A knowledge test quizzes applicant on their memorization—including punctuation—of 35 pages on the history of the Tomb. Once they’re selected, Guards “walk the mat” in front of the Tomb for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the time of year and time of day. They work in 24-hour shifts, however, and when they aren’t walking the mat, they’re in the living quarters beneath it.

The Tomb Guard badge is the least awarded badge in the Army, and the second least awarded badge in the overall military. (The first is the astronaut badge.) Tomb Guards are held to the highest standards of behavior and can have their badge taken away for any action on or off duty that could bring disrespect to the Tomb. it seems that Tomb Guards are rarely female—only three women have held the post.

Everything the guards do is a series of 21, which alludes to the 21-gun salute. The Sentinel does not execute an about face, rather they stop on the 21st step, then turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds. They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the outside shoulder, mentally count off 21 seconds, then step off for another 21 steps walk down the mat. They face the Tomb at each end of the 21 steps walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until the Guard Change ceremony begins.

You can see the spots formed by their walking on solid concrete floor and mat and you ll be amazed to see their footfall at the exact place every time. it is 20 minutes’ walk from the visitor center. go along the way, and you can find JFK graveyards and go ahead, you ll find this. there are trolleys also running for the visitor but...

Every Minute, Every Day, A dedication and commitment to service!! Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a significant act of remembrance and respect. This monument, located in Arlington National Cemetery honors the unidentified soldiers who died in war, representing all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country without recognition. Visiting the tomb provides a powerful experience, connecting individuals to the sacrifices of the past and fostering a sense of gratitude and respect for those who served. As a veteran, It was truly an honor and a privilege to visit this site. I really appreciated and was very emotionally moved by the changing of guard. It shows just how much service members have sacrificed so much on and off the battlefield. I would highly recommend that every American get to experience this powerful Ceremonial Observances.

The changing of the guard ceremony is a moving and solemn ritual that underscores the dedication to honoring these unknown soldiers. It is also a solemn reminder of the cost of war and the bravery of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. Visiting the tomb provides a powerful experience, connecting individuals to the sacrifices of the past and fostering a sense of gratitude and respect for those who served.

Here are a few reasons why people visit:

Paying Respects: It’s a way to honor and remember the sacrifices of unknown soldiers who fought and died for their country. Reflecting on Sacrifice: The site serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of war and the bravery of those who served. Cultural Significance: It’s a part of national heritage and history, providing a place to reflect on the broader impacts of war. Educational Value: The visit can offer insights into the history of military conflicts and the importance of memorials in...

Arlington Cemetery is an EMOTIONAL experience and WORTH VISITING! This was my second time visiting The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The first time was nearly 15 years ago whenever I was in high school, so I definitely had a greater appreciation for it this time. It's honestly hard to put into words. I cannot stress enough how important it is to visit if you are able to. It really puts things into perspective and makes you feel extremely proud to be an American. It was a moving experience. Everything is done in silence, so that's something to keep in mind if you are bringing kids with you. I think the changing of the guards happens either every hour on the hour or every 30 minutes depending on what time of year you go. We went in the fall. We didn't get to spend as much time as we would have liked due to other conflicts and having to rearrange our schedule after finding out last minute we got accepted to tour the White House. You will likely want to spend at least several hours here! I think it closes early, too, so you want to plan ahead of that and make sure you're either going in the morning or early afternoon so you have plenty of time to see everything and walk around! You get to ride carts throughout Arlington Cemetery and they give you a tour as you go, so I would recommend opting for that if you can vs. just walking through the cemetery. This was one of our favorite aspects when visiting Washington D.C. and we...