What is the purpose of an Unknown Soldier?
The Unknown Soldier serves as a symbol to honor all soldiers who have lost their lives but couldn’t be identified. It is a way to pay tribute to the sacrifices of countless individuals and ensure that their memory lives on.
How is an Unknown Soldier chosen?
The selection of an Unknown Soldier involves a meticulous and thorough process. Here are the key steps:
- First Step: Exhumation
- Second Step: Gathering Remains
- Third Step: Forensic Analysis
- Fourth Step: Identification Attempts
- Fifth Step: Selection
The first step is to locate a suitable site where the remains of unidentified soldiers are buried. These sites are usually selected from national cemeteries or battlefields where multiple soldiers were laid to rest anonymously.
Once a site is chosen, a team of experts carefully exhumed the remains, keeping detailed records of their findings. The remains are then transferred to a different location for thorough examination.
Forensic experts meticulously analyze the recovered remains. The goal is to gather as much information as possible, such as age, sex, and possible cause of death. This process helps in narrowing down the identities of the unknown soldiers.
Using any available information, including historical records, DNA testing, and dental records, attempts are made to identify the unknown soldier. These attempts can sometimes lead to a positive identification, at which point the remains are no longer eligible for selection.
If all attempts at identification fail, a selection committee, comprising military officials and other experts, gathers to make the final choice for the Unknown Soldier. This step is often carried out in utmost secrecy to maintain the reverence associated with the ceremony.
What happens after the selection?
Once the Unknown Soldier is chosen, the remains are placed in a specially-made casket and transported to the designated site. The final resting place is usually a prominent national monument, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The burial is accompanied by a solemn ceremony attended by dignitaries, military personnel, and the public, paying homage to the unnamed heroes.
The process of selecting an Unknown Soldier is a methodical and respectful procedure. Each step ensures that the memory of all unidentified soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice remains preserved for generations to come. As we pay our respects and honor their service, let us never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedom.