The Unknown Soldier

In the cemetery at Arlington, stands a monument. It houses no body, but the souls represented there make it a sacred place. Around the clock, soldiers continually guard it. The ceremonial respect given at this monument makes it hard for any emotion, other than reverence, to dwell there. That tomb is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Unknown Soldier is the man who served so selflessly, that he completely lost his identity along with his life, and gave himself for something bigger. He gave himself for freedom. Grateful, we are, to the many people represented by the crosses, stars of David, and other grave markers in that cemetery. Grateful, we are, to have someone to honor. But, what of the Unknown Solider? Who do we honor for His sake?
Because he lost his name in the cause for which he fought, we have only to turn to God, the one whose cause this is. We can only look to the creator of the cause, and to the giver of that man.
In Luke 9:24, the Lord teaches that, “…whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”
But, what of his identity? Perhaps they, more than anyone, fulfilled the charge to “take upon them the name of (the) Son” (Moroni 4:3). In their sacrifice, they ensured that no other name could be known, except that of Jesus Christ.
The eternal flame of freedom which the Unknown Soldier kept burning, is that light which “so shine(s) before men, that (we) may see (his) good works, and glorify (our) Father which is in heaven” (Matt 5:16).
Their sacrifice should serve as a reminder to us of the greater fight for freedom in which we are still engaged. We have great reverence and respect for that man who fought for our nation’s freedom, but what of the man who fought for everyone’s freedom. The one who gave his life that we all might live free—won.
On the other side of the world stands another tomb, nestled in a garden, and given even more respect. The One who lay there, is the known Soldier who gives the Unknown Soldier a name. He is the one who gives us all names. May we so sacrifice our names, that people may see us, and having no where else to turn, “glorify (our) Father which is in heaven” (Matt 5:16).