Howard Koslow (1924 - 2016) "Tomb of the Unknowns" Signed lower left. Acrylic painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Proofcard for America's Greatest Military Heroes series, postmarked November 11, 1993.

The "Tomb of the Unknowns" is, perhaps, the most sacred shrine to military heroes in the country. Originally designated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, this monument was built to honor all American soldiers killed during wars in the 20th century. The monument was established in March, 1921 when Congress, following the custom of European countries, approved the building of a national shrine to honor soldiers who could not be identified after they died in World War I. The first Unknown Soldier died in Europe during that war. He was selected on October 23, 1921, from among four unidentified American soldiers who were to be buried in military cemeteries in France. The shrine's name was changed in 1958 to the "Tomb of the Unknowns" when two servicemen, one killed in World War II and the other from Korea were interred. Since then, an American soldier who fought in Vietnam has also been interred. The Tomb has a perpetual honor guard by a member of the Sentinels of The Old Guard. A Sentinel is always there, in light or dark, eyes straight ahead, uniform immaculate. He paces back and forth while swiftly moving through the manual of arms: 21 paces south, left face, 21 seconds, left face, left shoulder arms, about face and so on. The 21 paces and seconds are symbolic of the 21-gun salute, the military's highest honor.

Image Size: 13.75 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 20.25 x 18 in.
Framed behind glass. (B10468)

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