Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is honored to announce the third Flowers of Remembrance Day, to be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

"As we arrive at the third annual Flowers of Remembrance, I am reminded of what a meaningful day this is for Arlington National Cemetery and the American public. This special opportunity for visitors to walk across the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier plaza and place a flower demonstrates the respect for service and sacrifice held by our grateful nation. These floral tributes are timeless symbols to honor the fallen on our most hallowed grounds," 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 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 the Flowers of Remembrance Day event. After the 10 a.m. talk, they will lead an optional, supplemental walking tour to the James Tanner Amphitheater, the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns and other locations related to the official Decoration Day commemoration at ANC. Registration is not required.

"Every day at Arlington National Cemetery is a perpetual tribute to the spirit of Memorial Day," said Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery Charles "Ray" Alexander, Jr. "This day offers our visitors the rare opening of the Tomb of the Unknown plaza to reflect on the valor and sacrifice that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represents."

The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation will provide flowers; therefore, visitors do not need to bring their own flowers. During this event, additional flowers will be available to the public for their visits to headstones throughout the cemetery.