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Teaching and Learning About the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

As part of Arlington National Cemetery’s new Education Program, an educational module on the history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is available at https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil. The module is a resource for teachers, students and adult “lifelong learners.” It includes lesson plans, assignments and primary source readings for elementary, middle and high school students, as well as self-guided walking tours that can be used to explore the cemetery either virtually or in person. Lesson plans align with national and state social studies standards and can be easily adapted for homeschooling or virtual learning.

Andre Maginot: The French Patriot Who Bade Farewell to the Unknown Soldier

By Kevin M. Hymel on 10/22/2021

On October 25, 1921, France’s Minister of Pensions, André Maginot, stood before the flag-draped casket of America’s Unknown Soldier on the dock at Le Havre, France. Flanked by members of the American and French military, civilians, and cameramen, he concluded his remarks by speaking to both the American Unknown Soldier and the French Unknown Soldier: “We can no more separate you than we can separate the two flags which the enemy brought together,” he stated. Then, tall and erect even while leaning on a cane, Maginot placed the French Legion of Honor medal on the casket before it was borne on the shoulders of American sailors and marines for the journey home aboard the USS Olympia.

Kevin M. Hymel
Contract Historian
Kevin M. Hymel

A Humble Sergeant: Edward F. Younger and the Unknown Soldier

By Tim Frank, ANC Historian on 10/20/2021

On October 24, 1921, when Sergeant Edward F. Younger entered City Hall in Châlons-sur-Marne, France, and gazed upon the four identical caskets that lay before him, he embarked on a task that forever linked him to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

ANC Historian
Tim Frank

Patton and World War I’s Unknown Soldier

By Kevin M. Hymel on 10/20/2021

In 1921, Major George S. Patton Jr. held an important role during ceremonies for America’s World War I Unknown Soldier. The man who would become an iconic general, known for commanding victorious armies in World War II, was then the commander of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment’s 3rd Cavalry Squadron. On November 9, 1921, Patton helped escort the Unknown Soldier’s casket from the USS Olympia to the U.S. Capitol, where the Unknown would lie in state for two days. On November 11, the day of the Unknown’s burial ceremony, he marched in the procession that escorted the casket to Arlington National Cemetery.

Kevin M. Hymel
Contract Historian
Kevin M. Hymel

The American Battle Monuments Commission and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

By on 10/18/2021

For one hundred years, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has represented America’s eternal dedication to honoring not just the unknowns buried there, but all unknown dead from the nation’s wars. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) shares in Arlington National Cemetery’s mission to honor and remember unknown U.S. service members. 

Public Invited to Honor the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

By Kevin M. Hymel on 10/13/2021

Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is inviting the public to participate in honoring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier centennial. This November 11 will mark 100 years since the Unknown Soldier from World War I was laid to rest in the newly constructed Tomb on the plaza of the cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater.

Kevin M. Hymel
Contract Historian
Kevin M. Hymel

From Manila Bay to Philadelphia: The Life and Service of USS Olympia

By Tim Frank, ANC Historian on 10/12/2021

To commemorate the 2021 centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as the U.S. Navy’s 246th birthday on October 13, we honor the USS Olympia—the legendary Navy ship that brought the World War I Unknown Soldier home to the United States from France in 1921. 

ANC Historian
Tim Frank

Zitkala-Sa: Civic Leader, Writer, Advocate for American Indians

During National Native American Heritage Month, we are proud to honor the life and legacy of Zitkála-Ša (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin), who is buried in Section 2, Grave 4703. Zitkála-Ša, whose name means “Red Bird,” was one of the most important American Indian activists and writers of the 20th century.

Historian
Jenifer Leigh Van Vleck
PhD

245th Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized two battalions of Marines to be raised. Two weeks later, Samuel Nicholas was commissioned a Captain of Marines by the Continental Congress. He is traditionally regarded as the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. Read our guest blog post from the National Museum of the Marine Corps to learn more about important moments in Marine Corps history. 

Historian
Jenifer Leigh Van Vleck
PhD

The Navy Legacy at Arlington National Cemetery

By on 10/13/2020

As the nation commemorates the 245th birthday of the United States Navy, we take a moment to reflect on those sailors and civilians who faithfully served the Navy and were laid to rest in the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC).