Which memorial at Arlington National Cemetery is the traditional focal point of the national Veterans Day ceremony?

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the traditional focal point of the national Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

The memorial represents unidentified American service members whose remains could not be linked to a known individual. Its central tomb was dedicated in 1921 for an unidentified World War I service member, and later crypts were created for unknown service members from other conflicts.

The Tomb is guarded by soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard. Its sentry duty and formal ceremonies symbolize the nation’s respect for service members whose identities and personal stories remain unknown.

The Veterans Day ceremony commonly includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb. It is sometimes confused with Memorial Day observances, which also use the site, but the Tomb serves as a national memorial throughout the year, not only on one holiday.