WOODEN FENCE NOW PROTECTS TOMB OF UNKNOWNS
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 27, 1923, The Evening Star reports "a wooden fence has been placed about the tomb of the unknown soldier* in Arlington national cemetery."
The fence was installed by the War Department "as a means of keeping visitors...from defacing the tomb and from disrespect."
This temporary wooden fence will be replaced at some future time by a "handsome bronze affair."
The fence was decided upon instead of placing four unarmed sentinels at the corners of the tomb.
*Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a neoclassical white marble sarcophagus located in Arlington National Cemetery on a hill overlooking Washington DC. Since 1921, it has been the resting place of an unnamed American serviceman of WWI & unknowns from subsequent wars also rest here.
SOURCE
"Unknown's Tomb Now Protected By Wooden Fence," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 27, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
