"Known only to God"

More than four million people visit Arlington Cemetery each year. Most of them will take time to visit one tomb in particular. While the occupants of this grave are anonymous, members of the 3^rd United States Infantry –otherwise known as “The Old Guard”-- watch over their mortal remains as if they were safeguarding the final resting place of a head of state. They have done so every day of the year since 1937. This hallowed ground is known throughout the land as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Although the idea of honoring a nameless warrior originated in England and France during World War I, it captured the imagination of Brigadier General, William D. Connor. In October of 1919 he suggested an American version. The idea was originally rejected because, it was thought, we would identify every soldier killed in combat.

All of that would change later that same year when an American soldier was mortally wounded on a distant French battlefield. In the following year New York Congressman Hamilton Fish introduced a bill before congress for the return of that unidentified soldier and the construction of a tomb outside Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery to house his remains.

In the first years after its creation those visiting Arlington would often use the Tomb as a picnic area because of the panoramic view of Washington DC it provided. It was for this reason that in 1926 a guard was posted, during cemetery hours, to prevent further disrespect. In 1937 it was expanded to a twenty four hour watch. Since then this soldier --and later unknowns from WWII, Korea and Vietnam-- has enjoyed a treatment not even accorded to an American President.

Visiting this sacred ground often provokes a spine-tingling-sensation accompanied by a sense of disbelief and awe. “These men gave their lives for our freedom,” said one teenager from Chrisney, Indiana, “yet we don’t even know who they are.”

We might not, but this has not dampened the fervor of those in the “Old Guard” who have maintained a non stop vigil for the last seventy five years. They do so in order that those who gave the last full measure of devotion can rest in peace, overlooking the nation’s capital. Such respect is a testimony to Americas love for those who pay the ultimate price. It is about gratitude. America does not forget her warriors, even those who are known only to God.