How to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery

For the first time in nearly 100 years, approach one of the most solemn sites at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

On November 9 and 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public can visit the grave and lay flowers in front of him as part of the commemoration ceremony for the centenary of the grave of the Unknown Soldier.

The event is free and open to the public and allows people to “personally pay their respects to the unknown soldiers,” according to a press release from the cemetery. Only the guards of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment or “The Old Guard” have the privilege to walk next to the grave.

“The grave served as the centerpiece of Arlington National Cemetery. It is a memorial to people that inspires reflection on service, valor, sacrifice and grief, “said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Army National Military Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery, in a statement.

You can register on the flower ceremony events page. You can bring your own flowers, but free roses, gerbera daisies, and sunflowers will be given out. You need an official ID.

Please visit the ceremony FAQ page for more information.

There will be a ceremony with representatives of the Crow Nation at 8:00 am on November 9th. They will plant flowers on the grave and say a prayer given by Chief Plenty Coups 100 years ago. There will be talks in the amphitheater throughout the day.

On November 10th, the Army Chief of Chaplains, Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Solhjem, will give a blessing to end the event at 4pm

The public is invited to watch a joint honor procession on Veterans Day. This replicates the elements of the funeral procession of the Unknown Soldier of World War I in 1921. There will also be a flyover with aircraft from all branches of the military.

“As the sacred memorial and grave of three unknown American soldiers, the tomb connects visitors with the legacy of the US armed forces throughout the history of the nation,” said Durham-Aguilera.

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