USS Truxtun Conducts 100th Commemoration Ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
28 May 2021
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK --
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) held a ceremony off the coast of Norfolk, Va., May 27. The ceremony commemorated the 100
th anniversary of the first burial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Truxtun’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Jason Horning, spoke on those service members who remain unidentified, but not forgotten. Among those unidentified members was the service member who was buried 33 nautical miles off of the coast of Norfolk, VA 63 years ago on May 26, 1958.
“While only one unknown is buried at Arlington for each war, they represent many whose lives were lost, but remain unidentified. For this reason, we lay a wreath in memory of the Unknown Soldier that was committed to these waters, and we honor the many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who tasted death that we may embrace freedom.”
Destroyer Squadron Two Six chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Davenport led a prayer in remembrance of those United States Armed Forces members who did not return home. This ceremony was concluded with a committal of a wreath at sea, followed by the playing of “Taps” and a 21-gun salute.
Gavin McIlvenna, President of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had a memorable experience organizing this event.
"Surrounded by brothers and sisters in arms, this simple burial at sea with full military honors and following time honored naval traditions, epitomized the deep bond between our nation's warriors. As it was felt in 1958 at the time of this special ceremony, it is again felt today by this generation of Americans who proudly say ‘we will never forget.’”
Truxtun, homeported out of Norfolk, Va., was commissioned in 2009 and is named after Commodore Thomas Truxtun. He was one of the first six commanders appointed by George Washington to the newly-formed U.S. Navy.