On May 28, 1958, two unknown soldiers who died during World War II and the Korean War were taken to the Capitol Rotunda to lie in state until burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Since yesterday was Memorial Day, I thought it was only appropriate to write about the government’s way of honoring the soldiers who were never identified.

It’s hard to think that there are families and friends of service men and women who never knew what happened to their loved ones.

The tomb that holds the remains of three unknown soldiers from World War I, World War II and the Korean War is a beautiful tribute to more than just those three soldiers.

It is a moving homage to all soldiers who sacrificed their lives.

On the Tomb of the Unknowns Old Guard website, the reason for the monument is perfectly stated, “The Unknown Soldiers laid to rest at the Tomb represent all missing and unknown service members who made the ultimate sacrifice – they not only gave their lives, but also their identities to protect these freedoms.”

The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

These guards maintain their post in the rain, sleet, snow, and even during Hurricane Sandy.

There have been 622 soldiers that have dedicated their time to being a companion to the soldiers buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns.

In any piece that is written about the sacrifices of soldiers, it should be noted that more than 848,000 men and women have died in combat fighting for American citizens and their freedoms since 1775.

The number of people who died in combat during the major wars America was involved in is frequently printed, but it should be noted that there have been more than 70 wars and conflicts for which American citizens have sacrificed their lives.