Events at Arlington National Cemetery

Flowers of Remembrance Day

Sunday, May 24, 8–4:30 p.m.

The fifth Flowers of Remembrance Day will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sunday, May 24. Flowers of Remembrance Day pays homage to the first official, national, annual Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day. This ceremony first occurred at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868, to honor U.S. service members who died in the Civil War.

Members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation. Visitors do not need to bring their own flowers. During this event, visitors will also have an opportunity to place a flower on headstones or columbarium niches throughout the cemetery. 

Related Events

•  History Talk, 10–10:30 a.m. "Arlington National Cemetery and the History of Memorial Day." Memorial Amphitheater outdoor bowl. 

•  History Tour,10:40 a.m.–12 p.m. featuring sites connected to Memorial Day’s history at Arlington. Meet at Memorial Amphitheater outdoor bowl


Memorial Day

Monday, May 25

The 158th National Memorial Day Observance, recognizing and commemorating the fallen men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, will take place on Monday, May 25, at 12 p.m. in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. The annual event is free and open to the public. Seating in the amphitheater is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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