http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-image...-07-110143.jpg
The remains of the Unknown Soldier is committed to the ground during the burial services at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA November 11 1921. (WW1 Signal Corps Collection).

I think they finally figured out who the soldier was didn't they? He's been taken out and given a proper burial if I remember right.

Nope.. you are referring to the Tomb of the Unknowns. FYI, the Tomb of the Unknowns contains the remains of unidentified servicemen from several U.S.A. conflicts.

It was for the vietnam tomb. In the late 1990's I believe they found who it is through DNA and removed his remains

The Tomb was placed at the head of the grave of the World War I Unknown. West of this grave are the crypts of Unknowns from World War II (south) and Korea (north). Between the two lies a crypt that once contained an Unknown from Vietnam (middle). His remains were positively identified in 1998 through DNA testing as First Lieutenant Michael Blassie, United States Air Force and were removed. Those three graves are marked with white marble slabs flush with the plaza.

The Tomb has a flat-faced form and is relieved at the corners and along the sides by neo-classical pilasters set into the surface with objects and inscription carved into the sides. The 1931 symbolism of the objects on the north, south and east sides changed over time.

North and South panel with 3 wreaths on each side represent (in 1931) "a world of memories" but later the six major battles engaged in by American forces in France; Ardennes, Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry, Meusse-Argonne, Oisiu-Eiseu, and Somme. Each wreath has 38 leaves and 12 berries. East panel that faces Washington, D.C., are three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory, and "American Manhood" but later "Valor" instead of "American Manhood"

Western panel is inscribed the words (centered on the panel):

HERE RESTS IN
HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN
SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO GOD

Again, I agree - it's not logical. But if you have trouble understanding the purpose of guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns, I'd imagine you'd have similar feelings toward just about every monument we have. After all, what does a giant, phallic hunk of rock have to do with George Washington for example? Monuments are strange things - they exist purely to give us something to remember.

In this case, the only difference is that it's so important for us to remember that its existence isn't enough to elevate it as high as is warranted, so we (as a country) have determined it requires the addition of a symbolic "guard" to emphasize its importance even more.

Yeah. Most monuments while honoring others, are really in the end, for us. This monument is one that really was and still is meant for others, whether they can someone know it or not.

Not a Hurricane Sandy photo. But then again, what do you expect from Dishonestchieffan?

That shit irritates the hell outta me! "Take off your damn hat and shut the hell up!"

This makes sense to me. Thanks.

This stupid post is so full of fail.

My wife and I were walking the concourse at the Royals game last year, and we heard the NA begin. Without even saying something to each other, we stopped and removed our hats and place them over our hearts and faced the flag (where we thought it would be).

Meanwhile asshats walked by, and even grumbled to us to get out of the way. Though, we did have an ol timer shake our hands afterwards. Made my day.

Dayze - USN VFA 22 / CVN 70 USS Varl Vinson: 1996-2000

I hope they have the names of those guards in case they get killed in the hurricane.

Thank you. I was on my phone and didn't feel like doing research.

I had never heard of the tomb before..

Seems odd to me that they can remain unknown. I mean, don't they have records of who's in the military? Wouldn't a higher ranking officer or member if their platoon or whatever notice they were missing and report it? Couldn't they figure out who they were just by process of elimination?

They are the ones who have not been identified, the ones blown to bits to protect the people of the United States and even protect the scumbags.