Service Complex Gate Closed

The Service Complex Gate is currently CLOSED to family pass holders and visitors, due to necessary construction on the Southern Expansion project.

Published on: Thursday, April 30, 2026 read more ...

Flowers of Remembrance Day: Sunday, May 24, 2026

Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is honored to announce the fifth Flowers of Remembrance Day, to be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sunday, May 24, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

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.

►  View photos from Flowers of Remembrance Day 2026


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 a.m. 

• "Meet a Tomb Guard": Visitors will learn about guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and have the opportunity to ask questionsUpdate: This event has been relocated to the Memorial Amphitheater display room. 

10 a.m.

•  History Talk, "Arlington National Cemetery and the History of Memorial Day."  Update: This event has been relocated to the Memorial Amphitheater display room.

10:30 a.m.

•  History Tour, featuring sites connected to Memorial Day’s history at Arlington with a special emphasis on America's 250th birthday. Meet in the Memorial Amphitheater display room. 


Visitor Information

•  Flowers will be provided for all visitors. 

•  We recommend that visitors bring water bottles. Click here for a map of water fountains and bottle fillers. Bottled water may also be purchased at the Welcome Center bookstore or the water-only vending machines located near the public restrooms at Memorial Amphitheater.  

•  Please be respectful and remember that this day honors the fallen. 

As we invite visitors to lay a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a part of Flowers of Remembrance Day, please note the Changing of the Guard will be modified and will not include the elements of a standard ceremony.

•  Please note that the Memorial Amphitheater outdoor bowl will be closed to visitors during this event. 

• To find a gravesite, download our ANC Explorer app. For a general map of the cemetery, click here


Traffic Advisory

Visitors planning to attend Flowers of Remembrance Day on Sunday, May 24 should be advised that the annual "Rolling to Remember" motorcycle ride will take place on the same day.  The motorcycle ride should not have a major effect on Flowers of Remembrance.

However, traffic in the area may be heavier than normal, and certain roads will be closed: 

•  Washington Boulevard from Pentagon North Parking to Memorial Circle
•  Exits off 395N into Pentagon Parking and Columbia Pike


Learn More

►  Explore our Education Program materials

►  Read our blog article, "Arlington National Cemetery and the Origins of Memorial Day."

►  For the latest Flowers of Remembrance Day news and information, check this website, follow our social media platforms @arlingtonnatl, and sign up for email updates via GovDelivery