Prison Ship Martyrs Monument is America's 'original' tomb of unknown war heroes

The Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Brooklyn, New York, pays chilling tribute to the 11,500 Americans and allies who died aboard British prison ships during the American Revolution.

"This is hallowed ground." "Prisoners roasted in sizzling temperatures … starved, and quarreled with vermin, lice, impending madness, dehydration and contagious disease." "Famed historian David McCullough said the crypt is no less significant than the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery." "Most of us could not imagine the suffering experienced by those who are interred here." Originally housing an eternal flame, it's now illuminated at night with electric lights.  Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

It’s dedicated to the estimated 11,500 American soldiers, sailors and privateers who died in hellish conditions aboard British prison ships on the East River during the American Revolution.