Centennial Commemoration Events: Special Programs
The Arlington National Cemetery History Office is commemorating the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with special programs on November 9 and 10, 2021. Free; no registration required.
ANC curators and historians will act as docents in the Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater, the location of one of our major Tomb centennial exhibits. From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on November 9 and 10, our team of historians will offer 10-15 minute talks every hour, beginning at 5 minutes past the hour. At the conclusion of the talks, they will be available to discuss our artifact collections and exhibits, as well as answer any questions about museum work, history and teaching with artifacts.
In addition, historians and curators from ANC and other federal agencies, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service, will hold 15- to 20-minute interpretive talks in the Memorial Amphitheater every hour on the half hour, beginning at 9:30am and concluding after the 3:30pm talk. Those interested in attending should access the Amphitheater from the west steps (pictured, below) and will be directed to available seating by ANC staff. (Note: On Wednesday, the 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 talks will be held on the north steps of the Amphitheater.) For a list of specific topics, please see below.
These presentations, in addition to the public flower ceremony, provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the public to engage with and learn about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Tuesday, November 9
9:30 a.m. The Memorial Amphitheater and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Landscape and Grounds
Stephen Van Hoven, Horticulture Chief, Arlington National Cemetery
The grounds and landscape of the Memorial Amphitheater and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier have evolved over the past century. In this talk, ANC’s Horticulture Chief will discuss the landscape and plants that augment this iconic Memorial, located at the heart of the America’s most sacred shrine.
10:30 a.m. Diversity in the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)
Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein, Senior Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
When one unidentified American service member from World War I was buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1921, the government intended him to represent all Americans who had served in the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) during the war. This talk will explore the diverse composition of the AEF as a way to learn more about the Unknown honored in the Tomb.
11:30 a.m. History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Tim Frank, Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
Join ANC Historian Tim Frank to hear a short history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
12:30 p.m. Leadership, the Lost Battalion, and the Burden of Heroism
Dr. Frank Blazich, Curator of Modern Military History, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
This talk will be about the Lost Battalion's epic fight in the Argonne Forest, its two leaders, Major Charles W. Whittlesey and Captain George G. McMurtry, and their connections with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
1:30 p.m Arlington National Cemetery and The National Park Service: Stewards of America's Memory
Stephanie Powell, Park Ranger and Cane West, Ph.D., Park Ranger (Arlington House), National Park Service
Join the National Park Service to learn how the establishment of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a century ago connects with the larger pilgrimage of commemoration that is found in the nation's capital.
2:30 p.m. Preserving the Past for the Future
Rebecca L. Stevens, AIA Cultural Resources Manager, and Caitlin Smith, Conservator, Arlington National Cemetery
From the time of their inception over 100 years ago, Arlington National Cemetery has been the steward of Memorial Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This talk focuses on recent innovative and traditional methods used to protect and preserve these historic properties and touches on efforts overtime to save both for future generations.
3:30 p.m. "To Honor Those Who Lie in France": The American Battle Monuments Commission Cemeteries and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Benjamin D. Brands, Historian, American Battle Monuments Commission
This talk will discuss the connections between the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and America’s overseas military cemeteries. It will explore the shared mission of Arlington National Cemetery and the American Battle Monuments Commission in honoring and remembering American’s unknown fallen.
Wednesday, November 10
9:30 a.m. The Tomb and the World: An International History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Dr. Jenifer Van Vleck, Contract Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
This talk will examine the international history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, from 1921 through today. The American Tomb was inspired by the examples of Great Britain and France, and other nations subsequently created their own tombs—resulting in a shared international culture of mourning and memory.
10:30 a.m. "A Native or an Adopted Son": Immigrant Service Members in World War I
Zachary Wilske, Senior Historian, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services History Office and Library
In the First World War, nearly 18% of American enlisted men were foreign-born. Many of these immigrant service members returned to the U.S. and became naturalized citizens. Others lost their lives in service to their adopted country. This talk will explore the foreign-born soldiers’ contributions to America’s war effort.
11:30 a.m. History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein, Senior Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
Join ANC Senior Historian Allison S. Finkelstein to hear a short history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
12:30 p.m. Prelude to the Tomb: The History of the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater
Benjamin D. Brands, Historian, American Battle Monuments Commission
This talk will discuss the conception, design, and construction of the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater and the subsequent addition of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the context of America’s efforts to memorialize and honor its war dead.
Note: The following talks will be held on the north steps of Memorial Amphitheater.
1:30 p.m. Women, Mothers, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein, Senior Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
For the past 100 years, women—especially mothers—have had a special relationship with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This lecture will explore these connections and examine the long legacy of how American women have honored the Unknown Soldier.
2:30 p.m. Silence and Respect: A History of Tomb Guards
Tim Frank, Historian, Arlington National Cemetery
Join ANC Historian Tim Frank to hear a short history of the evolution of the guard from a civilian watchman to the soldiers who serve at the Tomb today.
3:30 p.m. "To Honor Those Who Lie in France": The American Battle Monuments Commission Cemeteries and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Benjamin D. Brands, Historian, American Battle Monuments Commission
This talk will discuss the connections between the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and America’s overseas military cemeteries. It will explore the shared mission of Arlington National Cemetery and the American Battle Monuments Commission in honoring and remembering American’s unknown fallen.