The Meaning Of Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery
“Let us here highly resolve that these honored dead shall not have died in vain”(Ashabranner). These words from our 16th President Abraham Lincoln exemplify the meaning of Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery is a sanctuary to mourn those who have served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Former Presidents, war heroes, and other brave soldiers that have fought for this country are buried throughout this crypt within the rows upon rows of ivory marble tombs. Arlington National Cemetery also is the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that is guarded all day, everyday, rain, or shine. Guarded by the best soldiers, the Tomb of the Unknown symbolises safety for America.
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Many were brought home from Europe but some did not return because they could not be identified. It was determined by our allies that an unknown soldier should be honored as a symbol of all the brave soldiers. Americans decided to choose an unknown American soldier to be buried at Arlington. Most American fighting took place in France and there were four American military Cemeteries. Four coffins were chosen from the cemeteries but only one would be chosen to represent the unknown soldiers of WWI. Corporal Edward Younger was given the honor to choose one of the four coffins to be sent to Arlington. He walked by the coffins placing dozens of white roses on the coffin he decided to choose. He said, “It was as though something pulled me. A voice seemed to say this is one of your pals”(Ashabranner 53). The unknown soldiers was then brought to the U.S. On November 11, 1921 the unknown soldier from WWI was taken to Arlington for burial. Huge white marble sarcophagus for the Tomb of the unknown were added in 1932. A similar selection process was used for the Korean War, WWII, and the Vietnam War. The inscription on the marble reads, “Here rest in honor glory an American soldier unknown but to god”(Ashabranner 58). The remains of the Vietnam Unknown, buried in Arlington, was believed to be Michael Blassie. Pat Blassie, Michael Blassies sister, and the rest of the family pushed the military and government to take a DNA sample. There
Some of the first people to take care of the cemetery was military personal and at night there were civilian watchman. Vandals began to destroy things in the cemetery so the military stepped in. Starting in 1937 it was guarded twenty four hours by military guards. In 1948 the third infantry, also known at The Old Guard had the great responsibility of guarding the Tomb of the unknown. The tomb is guarded 24/7/365. The third infantry is important because they are the only unit allowed to march with bayonets on rifles. They have many important duties like providing protection for the capital during national emergencies, provide escorts for the presidents, and conduct Arlington National Cemetery. Their most important honor given to the third infantry is guarding the Tomb of Unknown. All the guards are volunteer but have to apply for a Tomb of the Unknown guarding position. All applicants must go through rigorous physical training and they are tested on Arlington Cemetery information. All applicants must be 6 feet tall with a small waistline. They must have a perfect military record and no police record. For six months the volunteers learn how to be a guard, learn how to handle a rifle, how to obtain their uniform and posture, their arm swing, heel clicks, and their walk. Most guards only serve for eighteen months because there is so much pressure to be perfect but it is an