The sincerity and honor surrounding Arlington, Virginia‘s Tomb of the Unknown Solider is famous across the United States. The famous monument typically remains unapproachable by members of the public throughout the year. However now, it will soon see its first opening to the public in 100 years. Since its erection a century ago, the monument remains guarded day in and day out by members of “The Old Guard,” soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.
Of the event, the Army National Militaries and Arlington National Cemetery’s executive director made a statement regarding the occasion. Executive Director Karen Durham-Aguilera said, “As the stewards of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it’s our honor to lead the centennial commemoration of this site.”
This November, Arlington National Cemetery will host a two-day event entitled The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration Public Flower Ceremony. Durham Aguilera further said that the event celebrating the monument’s centennial “connects visitors with the legacy of the U.S. armed forces throughout the nation’s history.
According to the Military Times, the Public Flower Ceremony takes place on November 9th and 10th. The outlet stated that not only does the event mark the first time in several decades that members of the public may approach the tomb up close. It also allows the public to lay flowers at the tomb without having to go through the lengthy traditional process.
For those interested in attending, the event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the above dates. The news outlet further stated those interested in attending the event are welcome to bring their own flowers. However, organizations will have assortments of roses, daisies, and sunflowers available for sale as well.
Unknown Soldier’s Remains Identified 70 Years Later
The upcoming memorial event surrounding Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier marks symbolic event throughout the monument’s history. The event itself serves, among many things, to help those Americans who never saw their family members return home from our nation’s historic wars focus on those individuals’ commitment and sacrifice in life.
Recently, however, one family finally saw closure as one unknown soldier’s body saw identification 70 years after his death.
In September of 2020, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency finally identified the remains of Army Private Donald Fabrize. Prior to his death at the age of just 19 in July of 1950, Febrize served in South Korea. Later, Fabrize received honors including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Korean Service Medal.
Fabrize’s family, however, saw much turmoil in the decades leading up to the soldier’s identification. Immediately following Fabrize’s death, his mother began receiving letters indicating her son had died early in his service. Later, his surviving members found out about the soldier’s remains after the Accounting Agency took extensive efforts to identify the body.
Now, these efforts have put Fabrize on the list of the Courts of the Missing at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. His headstone now boasts a rosette, symbolizing his remains have been identified.
