Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) has announced the second Flowers of Remembrance Day to be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sunday, May 28. The event precedes programs and ceremonies the following day at which BVA traditionally participates in a parade of flags and an organizational wreath presentation. 

According to Gabriel Botero, Jr., Acting Veteran Service Organization Liaison for the Veterans Health Administration, the response from the public at last year’s inaugural Flowers of Remembrance event was so tremendous that visitors will again be able to honor and respect the sacrifice of the Unknown Soldiers by placing flowers at the Tomb from 9am until 5pm.

At 10am that day in the outdoor bowl of Memorial Amphitheater, Cemetery historians will offer a public program on the history of Decoration Day/Memorial Day, the holiday’s importance to ANC, and its connections to the Flowers of Remembrance Day event.

Flowers of Remembrance Day pays homage to the first official, national Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day. That first ceremony occurred on May 30, 1868, honoring service members killed in the Civil War.

Flowers provided by the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation will be placed at the Tomb or on gravesites throughout the day. Visitors should not bring their own flowers. Although registration is not required, an intent to participate can be indicated by clicking here.