If you live in Washington DC, you probably have seen or heard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This solemn and majestic memorial honors the fallen heroes of America’s wars. But do you know the history and significance of this sacred site? In this post, I will share some interesting facts and tips about visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one of the most iconic attractions at Arlington National Cemetery.

History

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established in 1921 after Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in a special sarcophagus made of white marble. The idea was to pay tribute to all the unknown soldiers who gave their lives for their country and whose remains could not be identified. The sarcophagus has three Greek figures sculpted on the side, representing Peace, Victory, and Valor, and six wreaths that represent the six major campaigns of World War I. On the back of the tomb is an inscription: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”

Later, unknown soldiers from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam were interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, although the Vietnam Unknown was later identified and removed in 1988. The crypt that contained his remains is now empty, but it has a new inscription that honors and keeps faith with America’s missing servicemen.

Culture

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial symbol of national unity and sacrifice. It represents all the Americans who fought and died for their country, regardless of their name, rank, or background. It also reminds us of the cost of war and the value of peace. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is where people can pay their respects, express their gratitude, and reflect on their role as citizens.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the guard duty performed by the Tomb Guard sentinels, volunteers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard.” The Tomb Guard sentinels guard the Tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in any weather. They follow a precise and rigorous routine involving marching, saluting, and changing shifts every hour or half, depending on the season. Guard duty is considered one of the highest honors in the Army, requiring high dedication, discipline, and professionalism.

Points of interest

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial and a museum that displays artifacts and information about the unknown soldiers and the Tomb Guard sentinels. Some of the points of interest include:

The Memorial Display Room, located below the Memorial Amphitheater, where visitors can see exhibits about the history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as items donated by family members of the unknown soldiers, such as medals, letters, and personal belongings.
The Hall of Honor is next to the Memorial Display Room, where visitors can see plaques and certificates recognizing individuals and organizations that have contributed to preserving and enhancing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Sentinel’s Quarters, located under the steps of the Memorial Amphitheater, where visitors can see how the Tomb Guard sentinels live and prepare for their duty. The Quarters include a living room, a kitchen, a locker room, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Visitors can also see some of the equipment and tools used by the sentinels, such as shoes, rifles, uniforms, and mirrors.
The Centennial Plaza, located near the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery, where visitors can see a bronze statue of Sgt. Edward F. Younger selected the Unknown Soldier of World War I and a time capsule containing items related to the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 2021.

Advice for Visitors

If you are planning to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, here are some tips and recommendations to make your experience more enjoyable and respectful:

Check the schedule and plan

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April 1 to September 30 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 1 to March 31. The Changing of the Guard happens every hour on the hour from October 1 to March 31 and every half hour from April 1 to September 30. The Wreath Laying Ceremony happens after the Changing of the Guard and can be requested by anyone who follows the guidelines and procedures set by the Arlington National Cemetery. You can check the schedule and availability online here.

Dress appropriately and behave respectfully

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred site that honors the fallen heroes of America’s wars. You should dress appropriately for the weather and occasion and avoid wearing anything disrespectful or offensive. You should also behave respectfully during your visit and follow the rules and instructions from the staff and sentinels. You should remain silent and stand still during the ceremonies and avoid any actions that might distract or disturb the sentinels or other visitors, such as talking, laughing, clapping, taking photos or videos, or using cell phones or other devices. You should also keep a safe distance from the tomb and sentinels and stay behind the roped-off area or barriers.

Learn more and appreciate more

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is more than just a monument. The museum also displays artifacts and information about the unknown soldiers and the Tomb Guard sentinels. You can learn more about the history and significance of the tomb and the stories and sacrifices of the unknown soldiers and sentinels by visiting the Memorial Display Room, the Hall of Honor, and the Sentinel’s Quarters.

Driving directions from The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Via Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW. 5,8 miles in 17 minutes.

Follow Roosevelt Dr, McClellan Dr and Eisenhower Dr to Memorial Ave
1. Head northeast toward Roosevelt Dr
2. Turn left onto Roosevelt Dr
3. Turn right onto McClellan Dr
4. Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Eisenhower Dr
Continue on Memorial Ave. Drive from Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW to Washington
1. Turn right onto Memorial Ave Entering District of Columbia
2. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Memorial Cir
3. Continue onto Arlington Memorial Bridge/Memorial Brg Continue to follow Arlington Memorial Bridge
4. Keep right
5. Take the exit toward Rock Creek Pkwy/Kennedy Ctr
6. Merge onto Ohio Dr SW
7. Keep left to continue toward Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW
8. Keep left to continue on Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW Parts of this road are closed Mon–Fri 6:45 – 9:30 AM
9. Continue onto Beach Dr NW/Rock Creek Pkwy NW Closed Mon–Fri 6:45 – 9:30 AM
10. Keep left to continue on Shoreham Dr NW Parts of this road are closed Mon–Fri 6:45 – 9:30 AM
Follow Cathedral Ave NW to Connecticut Ave NW
1. Slight right at Rock Crk Trl
2. Continue onto Cathedral Ave NW
Turn right onto Connecticut Ave NW
Turn right onto North Rd

Public transportation directions from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Walk and public transport. 55 minutes, aprox.

Walk from The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. Walk About
2. Head north
3. Turn right toward Roosevelt Dr
4. Turn left onto Roosevelt Dr
5. Slight right to stay on Roosevelt Dr
6. Turn left onto Eisenhower Dr/Schley Dr
7. Turn right onto Memorial Ave Enter via Arlington Cemetery Metrorail Station – Memorial Drive
8. Follow signs for Arlington Cemetery Station
9. Take the escalator
10. Pass the fare gate
11. Follow signs for Downtown Largo BL
12. Take the escalator
13. Follow signs for BL Downtown Largo
Take the subway from Arlington Cemetery to Farragut West
Walk
1. Follow signs for 17th & I Streets
2. Take the escalator
3. Follow signs for 17th & I Streets
4. Pass the fare gate
5. Follow signs for 17th & I Streets
6. Take the escalator · Exit via Farragut West Metrorail Station – SE Corner 17th & I Sts., NW
7. Head north on 17th St NW toward I St NW
8. Turn right onto I St NW
9. Turn left onto 17th St NW
Take the L2 Bus at 17th St NW & I St NW
Exit at Connecticut Ave NW & Zoo Park
Walk
1. Head northwest on Connecticut Ave NW
2. Turn right

Driving directions from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to SENS Psychology

Via S Arlington Blvd. 3,7 miles in 12 minutes.

Follow Roosevelt Dr, McClellan Dr and Eisenhower Dr to Memorial Ave
1. Head northeast toward Roosevelt Dr
2. Turn left onto Roosevelt Dr
3. Turn right onto McClellan Dr
4. Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Eisenhower Dr
Take S Arlington Blvd to Fairfax Dr. Take the 10th St N exit from S Arlington Blvd
1. Turn right onto Memorial Ave Entering District of Columbia
2. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto S Arlington Blvd Entering Virginia
3. Take the 10th St N exit
Continue on Fairfax Dr to Wilson Blvd
1. Turn right onto Fairfax Dr
2. Turn right onto N Cleveland St
3. Turn left onto Wilson Blvd Pass by United Bank (on the left in 0.3 mi)
4. The destination will be on the right