23 OCT--This Day in US Military History

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:20:05 -0400

1921 – Four unknown soldiers from the cemeteries of Asine-Marne, Meuse-Argonne, Somme, and St. Mihiel were brought to the Hotel de Ville in France for final selection to commemorate the sacrifice of the 77,000 American servicemen who died during World War I.

The US military selected bodies of unknown soldiers who died in France. One was chosen to be brought to Arlington National Cemetery. The chosen soldier would represent just one of many who would never be identified.
The military service record describes the selection of the first unknown soldier out of a group of four: “The original records showing the internment of these bodies were searched and the four bodies selected represented the remains of soldiers of which there was absolutely no indication as to name, rank, organization or date of death.” The selection of the first unknown soldier to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery was made at the Hotel de Ville.
Sergeant Edward F. Younger was chosen to select which of the four unknown soldiers would be brought to the United States. Younger entered the mortuary room, “carrying a spray of white roses which had been donated by M. Brasseur Brulfer, a former member of the City Council. Sergeant Younger passing between two lines formed by the officials, entered the chamber in which the bodies of the four Unknown Soldiers lay, circled the caskets three times, then silently placed the flowers on the third casket from the left. He faced the body, stood at attention and saluted. General Duport stepped forward at the other end of the casket and saluted in the name of the French people. He was followed by the other officials present.”
The casket was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with the inscription, “An Unknown American who gave his life in the World War.”

https://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2014/10/23/october-23/

October 23

23 October 4004BC- According to 17th century divine James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh, and Dr. John Lightfoot of Cambridge, the world was created on this day, a Sunday, at 9 a.m. 1775 - Continenta...

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Oct 23 at 2015 11:21 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:21:18 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member thanks for the historical history perspective. Sweet!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 11:22 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:22:13 -0400

Thanks MSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Oct 23 at 2015 12:15 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 12:15:39 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member - Again, you're commitment to our history is... well... humbling. Every read is worth the while. This one is no exception! Semper Fi & Thanks!