The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The monument is dedicated to United States service members whose remains have not been identified. Approved by Congress in 1921, the monument has been expanded to include unknown soldiers since World War I. The sentinels are U.S. Army soldiers who follow a precise route involving a series of 21 steps.
Read the recently published picture book for children, then learn more at the websites:
TWENTY-ONE STEPS by Jeff Gottesfeld and illustrated by Matt Tavares is a picture book sharing the story of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The book begins with The Sentinel’s Creed. Then, traces the history through the voice of the “unknown”. An afterward provides additional background information.
The ARLINGTON CEMETERY website contains background information about the creation of the tomb along with the changing of the guard. To explore the website, go to https://bit.ly/3cT7KAo.
VOICES FROM THE TOMB is a behind-the-scenes documentary examining Tomb Guards at Arlington National Cemetery. To view the video, go to https://bit.ly/3mnV2x2
CHANGING OF THE GUARD is a short video showing the changing of the guard ceremony. To view the video, go to https://bit.ly/3cSWELU
ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.
