ARLINGTON, Va., -- This Memorial Day, visitors to Arlington National Cemetery will have a special way to remember and honor a loved one or a fallen hero thanks to a generous donation of 10,000 long stemmed roses.
The American and Ecuadorian Flower Growers donated the roses for Memorial Day as a way to show their appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
"This thoughtful donation will aid in enriching our visitors experience on Memorial Day and serve as a tangible symbol to honor and remember those interred at Arlington National Cemetery," said Kathryn Condon, executive director, Army National Cemeteries Program.
Visitors are encouraged to take two roses – one to place on the grave of a loved one and one to take home in memory of that person.
Roses will be distributed at two locations at Arlington National Cemetery: the Visitors Center located at the entrance and Section 60, one of the burial sections for the fallen heroes of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Arlington National Cemetery staff performed over 5,700 interments and inurnments a year. This is the only cemetery in the nation that performs gravesite burials and renders full military honors. In addition, Arlington National Cemetery hosts over 3,000 special ceremonies and wreath ceremonies per year. Visiting dignitaries often come to Arlington to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns before meeting with the President or cabinet officials. Arlington is also the host to over 4 million visitors who come each year to pay their respects and explore its rich history.