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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, stands as a powerful symbol of respect for all U.S. service members who sacrificed their lives. It was dedicated in 1921 and is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all weather conditions, by the Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard." 2. Did you know that the guards who protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are highly trained and follow a precise routine? They take exactly 21 steps in each direction across the black mat in front of the tomb, symbolizing the 21-gun salute, and they guard the monument for one hour at a time. 3. The marble for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was actually imported from Greece, making it a hidden gem with an international connection. The white marble was quarried from the same region as the famous Parthenon in Athens, a place rich in history and culture. 4. Beneath the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies a unique inscription that reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God." This powerful phrase reminds us that even if the soldier's identity is unknown, their sacrifice will always be respected and remembered. 5. Not all soldiers buried at the Tomb are from the U.S. A World War II soldier from the United Kingdom, Staff Sergeant William Ernest Henry, was interred at the tomb in 1958. He was awarded the Medal of Honor by the U.S. government for his bravery during the war, making his resting place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier truly remarkable.
