Chapter 23: Americans in the Great War, 1914-1920





The following activities accompany the Legacy for a People and a Nation on "Remembering War at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" in Chapter 23. Refer to page 662 of Norton, A People and a Nation, Sixth Edition for the complete text of this Legacy. There are three parts to this web page: Questions to Consider, Investigation, and Further Exploration.




Questions to Consider
1. How have war memorials and cemeteries changed throughout American history? What accounts for these changes?

2. Does the idea of burying an unknown soldier from each of our twentieth century wars tend to equate our military experiences?

3. What do we gain or lose by commemorating an unknown soldier?

4. Many countries adopted the idea of a tomb to the unknown soldier after World War I. Was there a universal experience that contributed to this practice?


Investigation
If technology has rendered the unknown soldier obsolete, how would you propose that we remember those who will serve and die in a future American war? Review an individually maintained site that has the advantage of linking you to memorials in various parts of the world. Please note that the memorials are designed to commemorate the sacrifices of military personnel and civilians. Write a proposal for, or design a memorial for those who have lost their lives in service of our country. Whom do you want to honor with your memorial?




Further Exploration
1. The French tomb under the Arc de Triomphe inspired many others.

2. Visit Arlington National Cemetery’s official web site.

3. The idea of a tomb for an unknown soldier has a long history. Visit the web site for the American Revolutionary War’s unknown soldier.

4. Guards for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier formed an organization. You will find information on the memorial's history and read why the guards feel honored to have served on their web site.

5. The British Imperial War Museum is gathering information about Britain's 50,000 - 60,000 known war memorials. You can get a sense of the scope and diversity of the monuments by visiting this site.