Tomb of Unknowns

The identification by the highly accurate DNA technology of the remains of the exhumed Vietnam-era Unknown Soldier as those of Lt. Michael Blassie make it most improbable that the remains of an “unknown soldier” of that conflict will ever be found and sustained.

I suggest we consider rededicating the vault in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington to the missing in action of the Vietnam War. Recognition of those missing brave souls whose remains may never be recovered and those missing prisoners of war who may never return seems to be a fitting remembrance. I understand the tradition established by the previous “unknown soldiers” of the major wars of this century and the fact that the monument itself is a grave are important precedent challenges. But I believe an acceptable argument for a modification of the rules can be made to remedy this unforeseen situation without violating that sacred ground.

REX D. GAEDE

Brea