Every November 11th, the United States observes Veterans Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. While parades, community events, and expressions of gratitude fill the day, the spiritual heart of this solemn observance beats loudest at Arlington National Cemetery, before the hallowed ground of the Tomb of the Unknowns.
From Armistice to All Veterans: The Evolution of a Holiday - Veterans Day traces its roots to the end of World War I. On the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" in 1918, an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect, silencing the guns of what was then known as "the war to end all wars." President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th, 1919, as the first Armistice Day, a day to reflect on world peace and honor those who served in the Great War.
Decades later, following the immense sacrifices of World War II and the Korean War, a national consensus emerged: the holiday should encompass all American veterans, not just those from a single conflict. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation officially changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day, transforming it into a day to celebrate the service of all US military veterans, living or deceased. This distinction is crucial: unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day extends its gratitude to every individual who has worn the nation's uniform.
The Tomb of the Unknowns: A Nation's Enduring Debt - At the core of Veterans Day observances lies the Tomb of the Unknowns, a monument of profound national symbolism. It stands as a perpetual tribute to American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in war and whose remains could not be identified.
The idea for such a memorial emerged after World War I, in response to the staggering number of unidentified fallen soldiers. On November 11, 1921, an unknown soldier from World War I was interred in the Tomb. Subsequent interments followed with unknown service members from World War II (1958) and the Korean War (1958). A Vietnam War unknown was interred in 1984, though those remains were later identified through DNA testing and removed in 1998, leaving that crypt currently empty.
The Tomb is a simple, massive white marble sarcophagus, but its power lies in its silent witness. It represents every service member who was lost without a trace, symbolizing the nation's collective promise that no sacrifice, however anonymous, will ever be forgotten.
The Sacred Vigil: Guards of the Unknown - What truly elevates the Tomb of the Unknowns to a sacred site is the continuous vigil maintained by the Sentinels of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). These highly dedicated and meticulously trained soldiers guard the Tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather or circumstance.
Their walk is a precise, 21-step routine, symbolizing the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor. Each guard paces for 21 steps, turns, faces the Tomb for 21 seconds, turns again, changes shoulders with their weapon, and paces 21 steps back. This deliberate, unwavering cadence is a visible testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to its fallen. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, a silent, precise ritual, is performed hourly on the hour during the day and every two hours at night, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its solemn beauty.
Veterans Day at Arlington - On Veterans Day, the national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begins precisely at 11:00 AM (EST). Direct Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/37064 The President of the United States, or a designated representative, lays a Presidential Wreath at the Tomb, a powerful gesture of national remembrance and gratitude. This is followed by a moment of silence and the mournful notes of "Taps," echoing the solemnity of the occasion.
Beyond this national focal point, communities across America hold their own tributes—such as parades, school programs, and ceremonies at local memorials. Businesses offer discounts and free meals as a tangible expression of gratitude. Yet, all these diverse traditions coalesce around the central message: to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have served.
Veterans Day is more than just a day off; it's a profound reminder of the cost of freedom and a collective expression of enduring gratitude for those who have stood in its defense. It is a day to remember that the debt owed to our veterans, particularly those whose identities remain unknown, is a debt that a grateful nation endeavors to repay through perpetual remembrance and honor.
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