The grueling selection process for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier's elite sentinels
In short: Since 1937, the Tomb of the Unknowns has never been left unattended. To maintain this vigil, the Army selects only the most exceptional soldiers, subjecting them to a series of grueling and unusual tests to prove their mettle and dedication before they are granted the coveted position of Tomb Sentinel.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, serves as a site of profound solemnity. Created in 1921 for an unnamed WWI casualty, the location later grew to accommodate unidentified fallen from the Korean, Vietnam, and World War II conflicts. In fact, DNA testing during the 1990s revealed that the unidentified soldier from the Vietnam War was actually First Lt. Michael J.
The cemetery itself occupies 639 acres on land once belonging to the family of Robert E. Lee. The site was created in 1864, with the first soldier, Private William Henry Christman of the 67th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, buried there on May 13, 1864. The land was seized by the U.S. government during the Civil War following a tax dispute, though the Supreme Court later ruled in favor of Lee's son in 1882. Rather than moving the deceased, Congress purchased the land for $150,000 [S2:p2, p3, p4, p5]
To ensure visitors respect the site's solemnity, the Department of the Army oversees the cemetery and maintains a constant presence at the Tomb. The role of Tomb Sentinel is highly coveted and reserved for truly exceptional soldiers. These individuals must undergo a series of rigorous and unconventional tests to demonstrate the extreme dedication and discipline required to stand guard without interruption
The cemetery is a vast national burial ground containing more than 400,000 people, the majority of whom are service members. The central feature of the grounds is Arlington House, a Classical Revival mansion built in 1802 and modeled after the Theseum in Athens, Greece, which is currently operated by the National Park Service [S2:p2, p3]
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How do They Decide Who Gets to Guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
- Also: Why Is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guarded? | Arlington Cemetery, History, & Changing of the Guard | Britannica
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