The remains of an unknown soldier were removed from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1984.
This soldier, who had been buried in the tomb since 1921, was exhumed and identified as Army Private First Class (PFC) Michael Blassie.
This identification was made possible through advances in DNA testing and the efforts of Blassie's family, who had tirelessly sought to find him.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier now houses the remains of three unidentified soldiers, representing those lost in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
The remains of PFC Michael Blassie were reburied with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
The removal of the unknown soldier's remains from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a significant event that highlighted the power of technology and the enduring commitment to honoring fallen soldiers.
