A Once-In-A-Century Event: Laying Flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Molly & I shortly before laying our flowers at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Memorial Ampitheater in the background (Image: Rachel Tracey).

It was a special week at Arlington National Cemetery. Not only was it Veterans Day, but the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was commemorated this past Thursday, November 11th. Leading up to the anniversary, the cemetery held a special event on Tuesday & Wednesday as visitors were given the opportunity to lay flowers at the tomb. This marks the first time in almost a century that the general public has been allowed to walk on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Plaza and pay their respects on ground that is typically reserved for the sentinels alone.

Naturally, the Historic America team seized the opportunity.

Rachel, Molly & I rendezvoused at the cemetery around 830AM on Tuesday and made our way up to the tomb on foot - a walk made countless times before with many a school group in tow. The experience never gets old, but this time was different given the fact that now was a chance to become active participants in a tomb ceremony.

We hadn’t brought our own flowers as the cemetery was providing them to visitors. This was just as well, because many visitors were seen bringing their own bouquets (which led to temporary flower envy on my part), only to be told that a single flower per guest could be laid at the tomb - lest the site become overwhelmed by a mountain of flora.

Soon we arrived at the Memorial Amphitheater and queued up. The line was long but moved steadily under perfect fall sky and soon we found ourselves in a procession nearing the plaza itself. Shortly before our turn, we were each handed a pink carnation as a reminder, “…of gratitude and a mother’s love”. Soon after, we were able to nab a few bonus roses (the flower volunteers were happy to give out a few extra as there was no shortage). How kind.

The flower volunteers had plenty of roses for everyone (Image: Rachel Tracey)

I’ve visited the tomb on countless occasions, but when I was told that the pink carnation symbolized maternal love, I couldn’t help but think about all the parents who’d lost sons as unknown deaths on foreign battlefields. Only a few decades ago, many of these bereaved mothers & fathers doubtlessly visited the tomb with the solemn notion that maybe … just maybe … it’s our boy in there. The thought hung with me.

We walked out, placed our flowers, took a moment to reflect, and then moved along, taking few minutes to linger nearby and survey the scene. The Washington Post offered a good description,

The line moved at a steady pace and the row of flowers — the stems arrayed side by side, along with slips of paper and small U.S. flags — rose steadily higher as a uniformed sentinel of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, kept precise, ritualistic vigil on the eastern side of the massive stone crypt overlooking the cemetery and the nation’s capital.

The parade of people moving past the tomb was diverse. Some were military (like the two Air Force servicemen that were just ahead of us), some were young, others old. Many were dressed up, but others casually attired. There were all different colors, affiliations and backgrounds, but everyone took it seriously, knowing how special it was. A good sight to behold.

Thank you to all our veterans, thanks to the cemetery for putting on such a memorable event, and remember the color pink - a symbol of gratitude and love for those known but to God who offered the last full measure of devotion to our country.