On this day honoring all who have served in the war, let's remember the history of the very special Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

In 1921 President Warren G Harding presided over an interment ceremony for an unknown shoulder who died during the world war I. To ensure a truly random selection, four unknown soldiers were exhumed from four different world war I American cemeteries in France. U.S. Army Sgt Edward F. Younger, who was wounded in combat and received the Distinguished Service Medal, was chosen to select a soldier for burial at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington. After the four identical caskets were lined up for his inspection, Younger chose the third casket from the left by placing a spray of white roses on it. The chosen soldier was transported to the U.S. on the USS Olympia while the other three were buried at Meuse Argonne American Cemetery in France.

Similarly, two unknown soldiers were selected as potential representatives of World WarII and four potential representatives from the Korean War were also chosen.

A Vietnam War veteran was also chosen in 1984. However in 1998, thanks to the advance in DNA testing, the soldier was identified and returned to his family for a private burial.

Unknown or known, take time today to give thanks or say a prayer for the brave women and men who have fought for our freedom.