What phrase is inscribed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery after “Here rests in honored glory”?
Answer
An American soldier known but to God
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is inscribed with the phrase “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
The inscription identifies the unidentified service member without inventing a name. The tomb was dedicated in Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 1921, following the selection and burial of an unknown American service member from World War I.
The wording is often shortened in casual references to “known but to God,” but the complete inscription is the formal quotation associated with the monument. It expresses both national honor and the limits of identification after wartime loss.
The tomb later became associated with sentinels from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” Its ceremony is distinct from the broader meaning of Veterans Day, which honors all U.S. military veterans, living and deceased.