


Ask students to identify key features and assess their feelings about what they see. Use vocabulary to describe elements of art, such as color, line, shape, and texture. Using the first photograph, model artwork analysis techniques for students. Harding then led a state funeral ceremony and placed the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, on the casket.

On November 11, 1921, a procession carried the unknown soldier to Arlington National Cemetery. Capitol Rotunda, where about 90,000 visitors paid their respects the following day. On November 9, 1921, the unknown soldier arrived in Washington, D.C. Project the first photograph in the activity, of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1921, for the entire class to see. This monument is called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. government built a memorial to honor an unknown soldier, who would be buried in Arlington National Cemetery and represent all of the unnamed servicemembers who sacrificed their lives during WWI. In 1921, three years after the war ended, the U.S. With more than 100,000 American casualties from World War I, the United States faced an unprecedented challenge as many soldiers' bodies could not be identified. There are more than 300,000 tombstones commemorating individuals from every American conflict, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. They are memorial monuments – that is, sculptures that commemorate a person or group of people who died in the past.Īrlington National Cemetery near Washington, DC, is a memorial site honoring active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Throughout history, tombstones have been one common way that people have remembered deceased friends and family members. What decorations are commonly found on tombstones? How do the words and images make you feel?Īfter discussing their answers, share the following background information with students:.From what type of material are tombstones typically made? Why is this a good material to use?.The second and third photographs show it in 1932 after Congress had authorized its completion and a superstructure was placed on top.īefore beginning the activity, ask students to speak about their experience with tombstones: The first shows the monument as it looked in 1921 when it was a simple marble slab. Students will see three different photographs of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is recommended for a full-class setting, with an option for working individually or in pairs during a portion of the activity. Suggested Teaching InstructionsUse this activity while teaching about symbolism, photograph analysis, artwork or sculpture analysis, or to connect to Veterans Day.
