Sunrise At Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

March 19, 2026

March 17, 2026 - Inspiring scene of an Old Guard sentinel with 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment on duty during sunrise at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Every Sentinel ... marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns and faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, and then takes 21 steps down the mat. Next, the Sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place his/her weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. The number 21 symbolizes the highest symbolic military honor that can be bestowed ... the 21-gun salute.

The neoclassical, white marble sarcophagus stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. Since 1921, it has provided a final resting place for one of America’s unidentified World War I service members, and Unknowns from later wars were added in 1958 and 1984. The Tomb has also served as a place of mourning and a site for reflection on military service

Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser, Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery | U.S. Army | U.S. Army Reserve | U.S. Army Gifts | U.S. Department of War