The Tomb of the Unknowns, sometimes referred to as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is a monument in Arlington National Cemetery honoring the remembrance of American troops who have lost their lives in battle but whose identities are unknown. Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) have been manning the tomb continuously since 1937, 365 days a year. However, the number of troops buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns is unknown.
The solution is four. One soldier from World War I, one from World War II, one from the Korean War, and one from the Vietnam War are buried in the tomb. The unidentified troops whose remains were buried in American military cemeteries in France, Belgium, Italy, and Hawaii were chosen for the remains. Being anonymous and representing the sacrifices made by all American service members who have given their lives in defense of the country were key selection criteria.
Grave recycling, often referred to as grave reuse, is the technique of excavating an existing grave and removing the remains inside to make way for a new burial. In Arlington National Cemetery, where every soldier who has rendered honorable service in the US Armed Forces is entitled for burial, this practice is not permitted. In the coming decades, the cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military personnel, will likely run out of room.
Superstitions about death and graves exist in many different civilizations. One enduring myth is that if you hold your breath as you pass a graveyard, no ghosts will be able to enter your body. This concept is unfounded in science and probably stems from a dread of breathing in the spirits of the dead. The belief that laying rocks on a grave as a sign of respect for the deceased is another superstition. Small stones are frequently placed on top of grave markers or headstones by visitors in Jewish cemeteries. Although the origin of this custom is unclear, it is thought to be a means to signify that a person has visited the tomb and paid their respects.
In conclusion, the Tomb of the Unknowns serves as a potent reminder of the sacrifices made by American soldiers in the service of their nation. Each of the four unnamed soldiers’ remains in the tomb stands in for the many men and women who have sacrificed their lives for their country. Although grave recycling is not permitted at Arlington National Cemetery, there are capacity and space issues there. In addition, despite their apparent illogic, cemetery-related superstitions are a reflection of people’s persistent interest with death and the afterlife.