ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - A century and a half after the Civil War ship the USS Monitor sank off the North Carolina coast, two unknown crewmen found in the ironclad's turret were buried Friday evening at Arlington National Cemetery.
The burial, which included a three-gun salute and a brass band playing "America the Beautiful," may be the last time Civil War soldiers are buried at the cemetery overlooking Washington.
"Today is a tribute to all the men and women who have gone to sea, but especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf," said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who spoke at a funeral service before the burial.
The Monitor made nautical history when the Union ship fought the Confederate CSS Virginia in the first battle between two ironclads on March 9, 1862. The battle was a draw.
The Monitor sank about nine months later in rough seas off North Carolina, and 16 sailors died. In 2002, the ship's rusted turret was raised from the Atlantic Ocean floor, and the skeletons of the two crew members were found inside.