The Pittsburgh Press (March 29, 1946)
Ferguson: A second Unknown
By Mrs. Walter Ferguson
Have you ever stood beside the grave of our Unknown Soldier? With the possible exception of the Lincoln Memorial there is no spot where you feel so truly reverent or humble, or where you are so much aware of man’s helplessness and the mystery of his life.
Who lies underneath the marble? He is “known but to God” reads the inscription. We only know that whoever sleeps there died for a dream that has not come true.
After World War I, unknown soldiers were buried with great pomp in several victorious countries. Prominent visitors laid wreaths at their tombs, and in the United States our president visits the tomb each Armistice Day.
When it was first built the monument symbolized a hope newly won. It was a dream sculptured in marble. Out of the sentiments which came into being in the hearts of many visitors there, was born the pacifism which swept our land after 1918.
We did not want to forget all the many unknown soldiers who had died for freedom and truth and peace.
But we did forget. Or perhaps we were not wise enough to act in such a way that peace and truth and freedom can be ours. Dedication of another Unknown Soldier’s tomb would be a farce until we are certain that permanent peace is won.