Memorial Day is a time to honor the profound sacrifices made by those who have fought to keep the United States a land of freedom. Among the most poignant traditions is the remembrance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

 

On November 11, 1921, three years after the end of World War I, six American soldiers were sent back to France for a solemn duty. Outside the Chapel at Chalons-sur-Marne, an officer addressed them with these words: “Men, it is my task to choose one of you to perform a great and sacred duty.” He handed a rose to Sgt. Edward Younger and instructed him, “In this church are four caskets. In them lie the bodies of four nameless soldiers. Go into the chapel and place the rose on one of the caskets.”

 

Sgt. Younger performed his duty, and the chosen casket was transported back to America. It was placed in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, symbolizing all the brave men who died so our nation could remain free. The inscription on the tomb reads, “Here rests in honored glory an American Soldier known but to God.”

In 1958, two more unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were laid to rest there. President Ronald Reagan later added an unknown soldier from the Vietnam War.

 

This tomb stands as a powerful tribute to all those who have laid down their lives on the altar of freedom. Today, on Memorial Day 2024, we salute and honor every service member who has contributed to securing our freedoms in this One Nation Under God !!!