November 11, 1839 -  The Virginia Military Institute, the oldest state-supported military college in the nation, was founded in Lexington, Virginia. Nicknamed the "West Point of the South," VMI has graduated more General Officers of the United States military than any other college in the United States except the federal service academies. Among its graduates are seven recipients of the Medal of Honor, nine four-star generals, and the first ever five-star general, George C. Marshall, the top U.S. Army general during World War II.

Honoring the Fallen

November 11, 1921 - The Tomb of the Unknowns was dedicated by President Warren G. Harding at Arlington National Cemetery. The monument is dedicated to American service members who have died without their remains being identified. The Tomb of the Unknowns has been guarded continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since July 2, 1937, no matter the weather. It is considered one of the highest honors to serve as a ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The guards do not wear rank insignia on their uniforms so that they do not outrank the Unknowns, whatever their rank may have been. While guarding the Tomb, guards perform a detailed marching ritual that includes walking 21 steps in a straight line in front of the Tomb, alluding to the 21-gun salute. The guard wears metal plates on their shoes so each step is pronounced.