Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier facts for kids
The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier is a special war memorial in Washington Square, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. This memorial honors the many thousands of soldiers who died during the American Revolutionary War. Many of these brave soldiers were buried in large, unmarked graves right in Washington Square. Both the tomb and Washington Square are important parts of Independence National Historical Park.
This memorial was first thought of in 1954 by a group called the Washington Square Planning Committee. It was finished and opened in 1957. The monument was designed by an architect named G. Edwin Brumbaugh. It features an eternal flame, which is a fire that never goes out. At its center is a bronze statue of George Washington, made by Jean Antoine Houdon. The tomb holds the remains of a soldier found during digging under the square. We don't know if this soldier fought for the American colonies or for the British. Many unknown soldiers are still buried beneath the square. Sometimes, more remains are found when new construction or repairs happen.
Remembering Brave Soldiers
The side of the tomb has important words carved into it. These words help us remember why the soldiers fought and what they achieved.
- "Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness."
- "The independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts of common dangers, suffering and success." (These words are from George Washington's Farewell Address, given on September 17, 1796.)
- "In unmarked graves within this square lie thousands of unknown soldiers of Washington's Army who died of wounds and sickness during the Revolutionary War."
What the Plaque Says
There is also a special plaque on the tomb. It has a simple but powerful message for everyone who visits.
- "Beneath this stone rests a soldier of Washington's army who died to give you liberty."
See also
- List of public art in Philadelphia
- List of statues of George Washington
- List of sculptures of presidents of the United States
- Pennsylvania in the American Revolution
