Past Events & Commemorations
Honoring Service. Preserving Memory. Demonstrating Impact.
For years, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation has supported and participated in meaningful commemorations, public ceremonies, and educational initiatives that honor the legacy of those who served and sacrificed for our nation.
Below are examples of events and programs supported by the Foundation in 2024 and 2025, reflecting our ongoing commitment to remembrance, education, and national unity.
The Foundation is not an element of, nor endorsed by, Arlington National Cemetery or the United States Government.
Flowers of Remembrance 2025
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Arlington National Cemetery
In 2025, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation supported the annual Flowers of Remembrance ceremony, providing members of the public with the rare opportunity to step onto the plaza at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and personally lay a flower in honor of the fallen.
The Foundation’s support included:
Providing flowers to the public at no cost
Supporting ceremony logistics and coordination
Engaging respectfully with participants throughout the day
This annual event continues to offer a powerful, personal connection to service and sacrifice.
"Watch people as they depart the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; they leave profoundly changed."
-Foundation President
Commemoration of the Victory at Yorktown
October 19, 2025
Yorktown, Virginia
In October 2025, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation, in partnership with the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, commemorated the historic victory of American and French forces at Yorktown in 1781.
This event honored the shared sacrifices that helped secure American independence and reinforced enduring alliances rooted in service and principle.
USS Olympia Commemoration Ceremony
October 26, 2024
Independence Seaport Museum | Philadelphia, PA
The Foundation participated in a commemoration ceremony honoring the USS Olympia—the vessel that carried the World War I Unknown Soldier from France to the United States.
This ceremony recognized the historic journey that culminated in the interment of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and reaffirmed our nation’s enduring commitment to remembrance.
Watch the commemoration video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOLrgo4Box4&t=5s
Want to learn more about the USS Olympia and its trip back from France carrying the WWI Unknown Soldier?
Check out these links below for more information:
YouTube Video About the Olympia and the WWI Unknown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSdB1Mu04C0
The Ship's Information on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Olympia_(C-6)
Never Forget Garden Marker in France
This photograph was taken by General de Quatrebarbes at his family farm outside Jublains, France.
He shared the following reflection:
"Attached is a photo of three young boys—our grandchildren—looking at the stone and trying to identify ‘peace, value, victory."
This moment represents another chapter in the remarkable tribute offered by the people of Jublains, France, and reflects the deeply personal ways remembrance continues across generations and borders.
Educational Exhibits - World War 1 Unknown Soldier
In conjunction with a variety of partner organizations, including the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Foundation has supported traveling exhibits featuring watercolor paintings by Dave Rappaport.
These works depict key moments from the selection of the World War I Unknown Soldier, his movement through France, the voyage to the United States, and his interment at Arlington National Cemetery.
The images below show the exhibit hosted at the Hyatt Centric Arlington.
Pictured: TUSF Executive Director Joe Buche; Sons and Daughters in Touch Senior Advisor Colleen Shine; and TUSF Board Member Donna Houle.
With Gratitude
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation extends sincere thanks to all volunteers, partners, and supporters who contributed their time and effort to these commemorations.
Your service ensures that remembrance remains active, personal, and enduring.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation
Rekindling America’s sacred duty to those who served and sacrificed for our country.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Foundation is not an element of, nor endorsed by, Arlington National Cemetery or the United States Government.
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© Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation. All rights reserved.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation
Rekindling America’s sacred duty to those who served and sacrificed for our country.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Foundation is not an element of, nor endorsed by, Arlington National Cemetery or the United States Government.
Follow us HERE on Bluesky
*We use Bluesky because it emphasizes privacy, reduced tracking, and respectful discourse. You do not need an account to view our posts.
© Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation. All rights reserved.