Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris

About

The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a burial in Paris under the triumphal arch of the Star since November 11, 1920. It welcomed the body of a soldier, who had died in the First World War and was not officially recognized as French, to symbolically commemorate all the soldiers who had died for France in the course of history. The grave, surrounded by black metal terminals connected by chains, consists of a granite slab of Vire on which is inscribed the epitaph: "Here rests a French soldier dead for the Patria, 1914-1918".

In 1923, an eternal flame was added, revived daily at 6:30 p.m. After the Second World War, a bronze shield was installed at the foot of the tomb, carrying a burning sword, offered by the Allies to the glory of the French armies and in memory of the liberation of Paris. The term "sacred slab", popularized by General Weygand, is used by veterans' associations to designate the tomb and its flame.

The monument is guarded by a specialized unit of the National Police.