Memorial Day is the time to think about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Arlington National Cemetery is the only cemetery in the nation that performs gravesite burials and renders full military honors. In addition, Arlington National Cemetery hosts over 3,000 special ceremonies and wreath ceremonies per year. Visiting dignitaries often come to Arlington to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns before meeting with Washington officials. Arlington is also the host to over 4 million visitors who come each year to pay their respects and explore its rich history.

Arlington, VA – This Memorial Day, visitors to Arlington National Cemetery will have a special way to remember and honor a loved one or a fallen hero thanks to a generous donation of 10,000 long stemmed roses.

The American and Ecuadorian Flower Growers donated the roses for Memorial Day as a way to show their appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

“This thoughtful donation will aid in enriching our visitors experience on Memorial Day and serve as a tangible symbol to honor and remember those interred at Arlington National Cemetery,” said Kathryn Condon, executive director, Army National Cemeteries Program.

Visitors are encouraged to take two roses – one to place on the grave of a loved one and one to take home in memory of that person.

Roses will be distributed at two locations at Arlington National Cemetery: the Visitors Center located at the entrance and Section 60, one of the burial sections for the fallen heroes of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Tomb Guard Rumors

There are many rumors surrounding those who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns, called Sentinels, such as why they wear wet gloves, how long a shift lasts, whether they are allowed to swear in public and how long they must commit. The Tomb has been guarded 24/7 since 1937 and you can find the answers to all of your questiongs by visiting www.TombGuard.org.

Here is a FOX News interview about the duties of those who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

Flags-In

For the past 40 years, the 3rd U.S. Infantry of the United States Army (The Old Guard) has honored our fallen heros by placing American flags in front of more than 260,000 gravestones and another 7,300 niches at the cemetery’s columbarium for cremated remains. Additionally, 13,500 flags are placed at the Soldier’s and Airmen’s Cemetery. All of this is completed in about three hours just before Memorial Day weekend. Old Guard soldiers spend the weekend at the cemetery to ensure all flags remain at each gravestone. After Memorial Day, the flags are removed before the cemetery opens to the public.