An American Hero: The Unknown Soldier The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument honoring soldiers who have died in a war defending our country. The tomb represents the war grave of soldiers whose remains were never identified. The tomb is guarded by a soldier 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For the soldiers that guard the tomb, it isn’t something they are forced to wake up every morning and do, it is a high privilege. Being able to guard the tomb is a motivating factor in a soldier’s life. It is an honor to guard the tomb of so many brave men and women who gave their life so our country can be free. Both my grandpas fought in wars. One grandpa was on a battleship in the south pacific during WWll. My other grandpa was in the Army during the Korean War. I am thankful they are still alive, but what about the men that they shared stories, mealtimes, and tents with? The men that became their best friends after only a few hours, who didn’t make it? They are the ones that gave their lives for their country. Thanks to these brave soldiers I have the freedoms I enjoy ‐‐ to go to school every day, visit our nation’s Capitol, and have the honor to lay a wreath at their tomb. I am a seventh‐grader. I can’t start training for the Army tomorrow. I can’t go overseas next week to fight in Iraq. But, I can honor the soldiers and my country in a different way. That way is to honor their memory, remember their stories, and never forget their sacrifice. Thank you unknown soldier. Mallorie Goodale Mrs. Haigh