99% Invisible The Known Unknown
Mar 6, 2019
Joe Rosenberg, a contributor with rich insights into the Tomb of the Unknowns, joins Patricia Blassie, sister of Michael Blassie, to share poignant stories behind this solemn memorial. They reflect on the historical significance of honoring unknown soldiers, particularly the emotional journey of identifying Michael Blassie’s remains after years of uncertainty. The discussion navigates themes of collective grief, evolving military recognition, and the intersection of personal loss with national remembrance.
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Origin of the Tomb
- World War I's mass casualties and dehumanizing nature inspired the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Chaplain David Railton envisioned a single soldier's grave to personalize the immense tragedy.
Early Unknowns
- Romans honored unidentified war remains with empty sarcophagi.
- After the Civil War, the Union buried 2,111 soldiers in a mass grave atop Robert E. Lee's rose garden.
Adding to the Tomb
- The US added unknowns from later wars to the tomb, starting in 1956.
- The Vietnam War's unknown soldier, later identified as Michael Blassie, was chosen from only four unidentified sets of remains.
