The Arlington National Cemetery: Exploring the Mysteries of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Temple of Fame

Set in the heart of Arlington, Virginia, the Arlington National Cemetery stands as a testament to the valor, sacrifice, and honor of the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States. Among the most iconic and revered locations within this sacred burial ground are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Temple of Fame. These monuments pay tribute to the nameless heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. In this article, we will delve into the history, significance, and mysteries surrounding these storied landmarks.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, situated at the highest point of the Arlington National Cemetery, serves as a symbol of the unidentified soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. A magnificent marble sarcophagus rests beneath the imposing white memorial. Guarded with unwavering dedication by the specialized soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the "Old Guard," the tomb remains a place of reverence and remembrance.

Mystery and Intrigue

While this somber monument exudes an air of solemnity and respect, it is also shrouded in mystery. The identity of the unknown soldier is a secret lost in time, forever entwined with the fabric of history. The tomb has undergone changes throughout the years, with additional unknown soldiers from the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War being interred there. Yet, the true identity of those individuals remains concealed, leaving visitors to contemplate the countless lives sacrificed and the countless families who never received closure.

Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Temple of Fame

by Listastik(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	561 KB
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The Temple of Fame

Adjacent to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands the imposing Temple of Fame. Constructed in 1921, the temple honors the bravery and valor of the military personnel who have received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration. This neoclassical structure features bronze tablets inscribed with the names of the heroic recipients, forever immortalized in the annals of American history.

Standing the Test of Time

The Temple of Fame has stood as a silent witness to the heroism of countless individuals, embodying the resilience and strength of the military spirit. Over the years, it has remained largely unchanged, serving as a symbol of enduring honor and recognition for those who have displayed exceptional courage and selflessness.

The Arlington National Cemetery, home to the enigmatic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the stoic Temple of Fame, stands as a place of pilgrimage for those seeking solace, remembrance, and a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made in service to the nation. These monuments serve as a reminder of the countless individuals who have given their lives to protect the values and freedoms that define the United States. As visitors stand in awe, they cannot help but think of the countless untold stories that lie beneath the hallowed grounds. The mysteries surrounding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the solemn grandeur of the Temple of Fame continue to captivate and inspire, reminding us all of the indelible mark left by those who have served and perished for their country.

Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Temple of Fame

by Listastik(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	12 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Kindle version of vintage magazine article originally published in 1901. Contains lots of great info and illustrations seldom seen in the last 110 years.

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Arlington once was the property of George Washington, and about it cluster many memories of the time when the nation was in its swaddling clothes. It be¬longed to Robert E. Lee when the Civil War broke out, and it was in the old mansion that the Virginian soldier wrestled with his, conscience, and finally decided to cast his lot with the Confefederacy—a decision that meant much, for he was one of the world's great military geniuses.

Time was when the old mansion was the scene of many activities, and the thought of death was farthest from the minds of those who worked and played and laughed there. General Washington had a fine eye for valuable land; in fact, in these days he would be called something of a real estate speculator. Mount Vernon, Abingdon, and Arlington were among his possessions on the southern shore of the Potomac. He bequeathed Arlington to the little boy who stood beside him when he was sworn in as the first President of the United States, his foster son and the grandson of his wife, George Washington Parke Curtis. When Mrs. Washington died, in 1802, Mount Vernon passed into the hands of Judge Bushrod, the general's nephew. Then the foster son, who had lived at Mount Vernon since childhood built a mansion on the plantation left him by Washington, and thereafter he was usually known as “Mr. Custis of Arlington." For a few years he kept bachelor's hall, and then he married.

It was at Arlington that he wrote his memoirs of General Washington, practised many arts, and became famous for his eloquence and hospitality. He wrote poetry, decorated the walls of his home with his own paintings, and attempted battle pictures, but with indifferent success. Upon the green lawns and slopes, under which the dead now lie, there were once merry parties. On these occasions Mr. Custis used to set up an old tent which General Washington used during the Revolution, and under its weather stained canvas brilliant men made eloquent speeches. This tent was the great attraction at the annual sheep shearing contests which Mr. Custis introduced in this county, to encourage the manufacture of cloth in the United States. These contests took place late in April. His praises and prizes developed a friendly rivalry between the farmers of Virginia and Maryland, and he made the most of this. In one of his speeches at the annual gathering, standing in the shadow of Washington's tent, he said prophetically: "America shall be great and free, and shall minister to her own wants by the employment of her own resources. The citizens of my country will proudly appear when clothed in the product of their native soil."