WAR SECRETARY CONSIDERING PLACING GUARD AT MEMORIAL OF UNKNOWN DEAD OF WORLD WAR
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 27, 1923, the Evening Star reports that Secretary of War John W. Weeks* is considering placing a guard of regular army soldiers at the memorial of the unknown dead of the world war at Arlington National Cemetery**.
The Star says that the reason for this, as brought to the attention of the War Secretary by Col. Clarence O. Sherrill***, officer-in-charge of public buildings and grounds, is the general public has shown a "lack of respect" when visiting the memorial.
Some of the inappropriate behaviors witnessed include striking matches on its surface, sitting upon it, and standing around with covered heads. It is noted that these behaviors are not seen around memorials located in Europe.
Guards will be chosen from members of the United States Army who have exhibited conduct of "exceptional merit" in the past.
JFK+50 NOTE
The headline of this post reflects the fact that in 1923 only one world war had been fought. It was often referred to as "the world war" or "the great war." Only after a second world war began was the term World War I applied to the first.
*John W. Weeks (1860-1926) was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire & served as US Senator (R-Massachusetts) 1913-1919 & as Secretary of War 1921-1925.
**The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, erected in 1921, pays tribute to unidentified members of the military lost in service. The remains within represent World War I, World War II & the Korean War.
***Clarence O. Sherrill (1876-1959) was born in Newton, North Carolina & graduated West Point majoring in Civil Engineering. COS served as chief military aid to Presidents Harding & Coolidge.
SOURCES
"Clarence O. Sherrill," National Park Service, www.nps.gov/
"Guard For Tomb Of Hero Likely," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 27, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," National Museum United States Army, www.thenmusa.org/
