This Day in History October 23, 1921

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In light of the state of things in our country, I think this day in history really is appropriate.  I am not going to comment on politics or our president's policies concerning the military.  What I will do is say that no matter what, the men and women who serve in our armed forces deserve a great deal of respect.  We owe them a debt that we shall never be able to repay.

On this day in 1921, in Chalons-sur-Marne, France, an American officer selected the body of the first "Unknown Soldier."  According to the official records, there were four bodies transported from France to the U.S., and the bodies were unidentified.  These soldiers had nothing to identify them including rank, date of death, name, or anything else identifiable.  They were  truly "unknown."  One special one was chosen and sent back to the U.S. to become the first "Unknown Soldier."

The inscription that was placed on the chosen casket was:  "An Unknown American Who Gave His  Life in the World War." The casket traveled from France and ultimately arrived at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. where you can still find that very famous tomb.

For more information, check out this site.