Military Honor Guard

“ Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God.” The Solemn phrase engraved into what became the tomb of the Unknown Solider offers a sense of dignity and tranquil feeling to those who visits the magnificent marble sarcophagus. The body of an unknown soldier was entombed on November 11, 1921, as a tribute paid by the Americans to those soldiers who perished during World War I. A military honor guard was established at the tomb. The honor guard is made up of select members of the Third U.S. Army Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard. Guarded day and night, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier became a national memorial that will forever symbolize the peace, victory, and valor of those American soldiers died fighting for the freedom of this country.

Coming over from Taiwan nearly six years ago, the freedom of the American society still dazzles me. The extensive freedom of the U.S. citizens is a result of those American soldiers who fought bravely during wars to “insure domestic tranquility and provide for the common defense” (Constitution 1) of the United States. I want to honor and thank the soldiers, especially those who unfortunately will never be identified by family members.

Feeling the urge to include them as part of my very own family, having the honor of laying a wreath at the foot of the most revered soldier will help accomplish a major part of my goal. Granted laying a wreath will not be enough, I plan to go further to assist war veterans. Some missions I wish to accomplish in my lifetime comprise of fighting unemployment of the veterans, whom needs to have the same employment rights as his or her neighbor next door; volunteering with veteran organizations such as MilServe, an organization created to aid those servicemen and women who needs financial, legal, or career expertise, and Canine Companion for Independence, which offers armed forces members therapy dogs to help them cope with their traumatic war memories. My goal will conclude with serving for my country, whether it is being the military cook or the first responders for those fallen warriors.

Understanding and embracing the soldiers as part of this great American family, is the crucial first step to honoring the military men and women.

Laying a wreath at the foot of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will help me connect with the traumatic past of the solider. Possibly experiencing the pain he or she have suffered until, finally, peace was found once again. To better understand the soldiers’ military past is one of my main goals. A better understanding of the soldiers means a greater appreciation and grasp of what the fighters of our country need in the current society. I want to better improve the lives of those suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from the chaotic wars. Remembrance of those who served and died for our country is significant to

me.

“ It is he who commands the respect I protect, his bravery that made us so proud ” (Simon 1). The soldier also deserves my respect that I will and forever proudly give. Honoring with laying a wreath is a sign of proud dignity for the nation as a whole. Wherever we are, in Los Angles or New York City, the people will always remember those who perished during the years of war. With such solemnity in mind, laying a wreath at the shadow of the most revered soldier whose name will never be known but to God himself, will be the highest award and opportunity that will be cherished for years to come. The story will be passed down, from generation to generation, hoping one day, my great-grandchildren will follow in my footsteps to honor those who have fallen in times of crisis.