Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Oliver Serna | The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier presents a flag to Retired...... read more read more
Commemorating Centennial of the Return of the Unknown Soldier to the Washington Navy Yard
WASHINGTON (NNS) - Naval District Washington (NDW ) held a plaque dedication ceremony in honor of the 100th anniversary of the return of the World War I Unknown Soldier to U.S. soil at the Washington Navy Yard Nov. 9.
After a perilous transatlantic journey, on November 9, 2021 USS Olympia (C-6) arrived at the United States with the remains of the WW1 Unknown Soldier. Olympia arrived at the Washington Navy Yard where the remains were then transferred to a caisson and transported to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda where the remains lay in state for two days before internment at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
“Today, we remember the cards of the young man on that ship, the Olympia," said Robert Hogue, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. We remember the fallen who did not have a chance to return home to grow or raise their families or contribute to their communities...As far as our country was a century ago, we are stronger today because of our willingness to assess the strength of the whole society. I salute those who have gone before us and those who serve today, and those who will serve tomorrow.”
The ceremony was conducted to coincide with the date and time of the arrival of the USS Olympia (C-6) 100 years ago.
Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Galvin McIlvenna, president of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, talked about how the flag used in the ceremony had been flown through key locations along the WW1 Unknown Soldier’s journey from America to France and back.
“Today that flag will be used in the ceremonies here in a few minutes, to mark the Unknown Soldier’s arrival here 100 years ago, when he finally returned to his native land”, said Mcilvenna. “The flag will then be presented at the U.S. Capitol on November 10, where so many of our Gold Star families, veterans, fellow Americans pay their respects to he who represents all. The flag will finally be flown once again at Arlington National Cemetery by the platoon on November 11. Completing that journey home”.
Following the remarks of the official party, a historical plaque and wreath was dedicated to the WW1 Unknown Soldier with each member of the official party placing a white rose on the wreath.
McIlvenna hopes that the plaque will help people learn about the unknown soldiers and the nation’s naval forces that served not for self, but for country.
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2021 12:18 |
| Story ID: | 409111 |
| Location: | WSASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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