Student-Built Replica of Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier Arrives At Middletown City Hall

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A student-built version of the United States' Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is on dis play at Middletown City Hall.

Here is how it came to be:

In 2022 the Middletown Elks Veterans #771 were trying to imagine a patriotic idea for a float for the Middletown Memorial Day Parade. They discussed the possibility of building a replica of the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

The Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County Virginia, United States contains the remains of three unidentified U.S. service members: one from World War I, one from World War II, and one from the Korean War. A fourth crypt, originally intended for a soldier from the Vietnam War, is now empty after the remains were identified as 1st Lt. Michael J. Blassie and reinterred.

While making plans to recreate a replica of this tomb, it became an overwhelming task to build with the respect it deserved. A brief phone call with a teacher at the Vinal Technical High School provided the opportunity to make a replica of the tomb possible.

Through funding by the Middletown Elks Veterans #771 the tomb was constructed by freshmen students in the carpentry, art, and IT departments, who were approximately 13-14 years old at the time of construction and are now entering their senior year of high school. The following staff and students were involved in building the replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Principal: Dr. Nelson A. Rivera
Instructor: Greg Landry (Department Head)
Students:

Silas Aponte
Davis Bair
Blanchard Baisden
Lucas DeMatteo
Layla Godoy-Segarra
Logan Green
Alexander Karber
Aidan McNamara
Michael Palmieri
Haley Pascarella
Emma Reynolds
Breanna White
Casey White
Tobias Yitchinski

Upon learning about the project, the students instantly responded by investigating the “Tomb Project.” They had discovered the technical information necessary for the project and prepared a material list, complete with all of the background information necessary in order to recreate a down scaled version of the Tomb. In collaborative effort, support of the entire school’s staff, and Principal, this project arose as a testament to their desire to produce a perfect replica of Arlington’s greatest tribute to those who gave their lives for their country and whose remains continue to remind us of the cost of the freedom we enjoy in America.

With this effort by the Vinal students, not only to build the “Tomb,” but to also understand its meaning. They all became aware of the honor it was for the “Tomb” to be guarded, and the history of those who stand that guard 24 hours a day. The excitement of the carpentry class inspired them to invite other departments to participate in the project. The Art department agreed to undertake making the white walls appear like stressed marble with the lines and small cracks that appear as it ages. The IT department created a QR Code so parade observers could learn about the Tomb. The student’s interest and all those involved, sparked an unmistakable patriotic spirit throughout their school that has been felt by Middletown citizens and visitors who have viewed it, This project brings us all one patriotic step closer to the history of our local effort to never forget those who gave their all to secure the freedoms that we cherish every day.

The students of Vinal Technical High School hadn’t just created a replica of a monument; they learned a special part of history. They embraced not just a feeling of accomplishment; they allowed themselves to be patriots.

That the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” will reside at City Hall for public viewing until the next Memorial Day where it will be part of the City of Middletown Veteran Council Annual Parade. The next time we view the “Tomb” on a float as it passes by in our own Middletown Memorial Day Parade, let us remember that freedom is never free. The unknown efforts of man to preserve that freedom should never be forgotten.”