For the first time in nearly a century, members of the public will be able to walk on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Plaza and lay flowers to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sacred site. 

In honor of the centennial, which will be marked on Nov. 11, the public will have the opportunity to lay flowers in front of the tomb on Nov. 9 and 10. Registration is required here.

“This is a rare opportunity for the public to walk next to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a privilege otherwise given only to the sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, ‘The Old Guard,’ ” according to an Arlington National Cemetery press release. 

Since Nov. 11, 1921, the tomb has been the resting place for one of America’s unidentified World War I service members, and additional unknowns were added in 1958 and 1984. The tomb has been under the constant watch of soldiers since July 1937. 

In addition to the flower laying ceremony, there will be a 21-gun salute on Nov. 9 and a wreath ceremony and joint flyover on Nov. 11. For those who are unable to attend in person, Arlington National Cemetery has a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier exhibit that can be viewed virtually. 

A group of nonprofit organizations, led by the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation, is working to organize local commemorations of the centennial. For a list of events, click here.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier continues to inspire Americans to reflect on our fundamental values, said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army Cemeteries. 

“As the stewards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it’s our honor to lead the centennial commemoration of this site,” Durham-Aguilera said. “The Tomb has served as the heart of Arlington National Cemetery. It is a people’s memorial that inspires reflection on service, valor, sacrifice and mourning. As a sacred memorial site and the grave of three unknown American service members, the Tomb connects visitors with the legacy of the U.S. armed forces throughout the nation’s history.”

For more information on the centennial events, click here.