ARLINGTON, Va. — Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is honored to announce the fourth Flowers of Remembrance Day, to be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
“Hosting the fourth Flowers of Remembrance Day is profoundly moving. This event has become meaningful for Arlington National Cemetery and people across our country. Walking across the plaza at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and laying a flower at the gravesite of our Unknown Soldiers represents reflection on the meaning of Memorial Day. The visual impact of thousands of flowers placed there is a beautiful symbol of national gratitude,” said Army National Military Cemeteries and Office of Army Cemeteries Executive Director Karen Durham-Aguilera.
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.
At 10 a.m. in the outdoor bowl of Memorial Amphitheater, ANC historians will offer a public program on the history of Decoration Day/Memorial Day, this holiday’s importance to ANC and its connections to Flowers of Remembrance Day. At 10:30 a.m., after the talk, the historians will lead a walking tour to the Arlington House with stops at various locations related to the Army's 250th birthday. Registration is not required.
"Flowers of Remembrance is a respectful tribute to connect the American public and our guests to the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes," said Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and Acting Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery Renea Yates. "This year is especially historic as we commemorate the Army, Marine Corps and Navy’s 250th birthdays."
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation will provide flowers; therefore, visitors do not need to bring their own flowers.
Schedule of Events
• 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Visitors may place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Memorial Amphitheater Display Room, which features exhibits on the history of the Tomb, will also be open to visitors.
• 9:30 a.m.–10 a.m. "Meet a Sentinel": Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards will take questions from the public in the outdoor bowl of Memorial Amphitheater.
• 10–10:30 a.m. History Talk on the history of Decoration Day/Memorial Day, Memorial Amphitheater outdoor bowl.
• 10:30 a.m. History Tour in honor of the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, “Memorializing Honor and Sacrifice: The Legacy of the American Revolution to American Expansion." Meet at Memorial Amphitheater outdoor bowl.
More Information
► Explore our Education Program materials
► Arlington National Cemetery and the Origins of Memorial Day
For the latest Flowers of Remembrance Day updates, please follow our social media platforms @arlingtonnatl.