Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration Lecture Series

 

Arlington National Cemetery and The National Park Service: Stewards of America's Memory

Written and presented by Cane West, Ph.D., National Park Service


In this episode, National Park Service Ranger Dr. Cane West explores how the establishment of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a century ago connects with the larger pilgrimage of commemorative sites that are found in the nation's capital.

Listen Here:  Arlington National Cemetery and the National Park Service: Stewards of America’s Memory

 Dr. Cane West has spent nearly a decade working in national parks all around the United States and previously worked at Arlington House. In his free time, he is a historian of the American West and the National Park Service. Working at Arlington House has been one of the most unique and rewarding posts during his time in federal service.


To learn more: 

Arlington House

National Mall and Memorial Parks

District of Columbia War Memorial

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

World War II Memorial

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns  


Now run as a museum and historic site by the National Park Service, Arlington House sits high on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. (National Park Service)



This illustration depicts people paying tribute at the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns during the first official Decoration Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in May 1868. (Illustration by C.M. Thomas from Harper’s Weekly, June 20, 1868)


The dedication ceremony for the District of Columbia War Memorial on November 11, 1931. This memorial honors residents of Washington, D.C., who died during World War I. (Library of Congress)


World War II veterans from Utah Honor Flight visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on September 19, 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo)


Memorial Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., May 29, 2006. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress)


Tomb Guards conduct a changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on May 30, 2022. (U.S. Army photo)