ARLINGTON, VA – NOVEMBER 11: Joe Biden places a wreath during a centennial ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 2021, in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images)
Joe Biden marked Veterans Day at the Arlington National Cemetery with a unique ceremony. Biden laid a wreath at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” on Thursday, commemorating 100 years of the memorial.
“Our veterans represent the best of America,” Biden told the crowd in attendance. “You are the very spine of America. On Veterans Day and every day we honor that great debt, recommit ourselves to keeping our sacred obligation as a nation.”
The monument was dedicated in 1921 in honor of unidentified U.S. service members who died in past wars. For the first time in nearly a century, the public was allowed to walk near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and place flowers at the memorial.
#OTD in 1921, a casket filled with unidentified remains was interred in its final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier became a national symbol of honor, sacrifice, and ultimate appreciation.#VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/eA2LiMwzgB
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) November 11, 2021
Prior to the ceremony, service members participated in a Veterans Day procession, which also included a flyover with aircraft from all military branches. Service members from various branches of the military joined together, clothed in uniforms that represented different past wars.
The tomb stands as a representation of all American military members who lost their lives whose names remain unknown. Biden said it is the country’s duty to honor and care for service members and their families.
In honor of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’s Centennial Commemoration, thousands of people visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a flower at the Tomb.
This was the first time the public has been able to walk on the Tomb's Plaza in nearly 100 years.
🎥 by Vincent Pecoraro pic.twitter.com/0ckWci1rqq
— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) November 10, 2021
Source: One America News Network
