In 1921, an unidentified American soldier from World War I was buried in a special place in Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial ceremony was established to give honor to all the soldiers who had fought in that war at the date and time World War I had officially ended, November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. It became officially known as Armistice Day in 1926. It was not until 12 years later that it became a national holiday.
In 1956 following World War II and the Korean War, a decision was made to change the name of the holiday. It was to reflect the honor due all veterans that the name was changed to Veteran's Day.
In 1958, two more unknown soldiers, one from the Second World War and the other from the Korean War, were buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In 1984, a final soldier was interred from the Viet Nam War, bringing the total of unidentified soldiers buried there to four.
Today an Army honor guard, The 3rd U.S. Infantry, watches there day and night. On Veteran's Day every year, a ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers with a color guard and taps being played.
