On Monday, May 26, 2025, Americans across the country paused to observe the 157th Memorial Day, a solemn holiday dedicated to honouring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who died in service to their country. While towns and cities held parades, ceremonies, and family gatherings, one of the most symbolic commemorations took place at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
A Sacred Tradition at Arlington
Each year, the nation’s attention turns to Arlington National Cemetery, the resting place for over 400,000 military service members and their families. On Memorial Day morning, thousands gathered at this hallowed ground for the official national observance, which is traditionally held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The ceremony began with the presidential laying of a wreath, a gesture of deep respect for the unknown fallen who represent all unidentified American soldiers. In 2025, the President of the United States, accompanied by top military leaders and Gold Star families, placed the wreath in a solemn moment of silence. The sound of Taps, played by a lone bugler, echoed across the rows of white headstones, creating an atmosphere of reverence and remembrance.
The National Memorial Day Observance
Following the wreath-laying, a memorial service was held at the Memorial Amphitheater, located just steps from the Tomb. Distinguished guests, including military officials, veterans, and elected leaders, delivered speeches that honoured the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who gave their lives in defence of freedom. The event also featured a performance by a military band and a reading of the names of recently fallen service members.
In his speech, Donald Trump paid tribute to fallen soldiers at Arlington cemetery:
‘In every hour of peril, in every moment of crisis, American warriors have left behind the blessings of home and family to answer their nation’s call. They’ve offered all that they had within them, and given their last breaths to each and every one of us that we might live safe, and breathe free. This morning, we pay tribute to their immortal deeds’.
‘We share in the sorrow of their beloved families. And as one nation, we give thanks for the ultimate gift they have so selflessly given to all of us. These warriors, and that’s what they are, is great, great warriors, picked up their mantle of duty and service knowing that to live for others meant always that they might die for others’.
‘They knew that. They asked nothing for it, they gave everything, and we owe them everything and much, much more. Each of the service members who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation has also left an unfillable void and an unbreakable silence in the lives of all who love them. For the families of the fallen, you feel the absence of your heroes every day in the family’.
He also said: ‘The greatest monument to their courage is not carved in marble or cast in bronze – it’s all around us, an American nation 325 million strong, which will soon be greater than it has ever been before’ he said. ‘It will be’.
Striking a more reverent note, Trump paid tribute to Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, who was killed in Syria in 2019, leaving behind her husband and two young children. He also honored Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Elroy Harworth, who died during the Vietnam War, and Army Cpl. Ryan McGhee, who enlisted after the September 11 attacks.
Vice President JD Vance reflected on the human cost of war, saying ‘We must be cautious in sending our people to war’. He urged the crowd to push political leaders to treat the lives of soldiers as the ‘most precious resource’.
Flags In: A Moving Visual Tribute
One of the most visually striking traditions leading up to Memorial Day at Arlington is known as ‘Flags In’ ceremony. This year, nearly 1,500 soldiers assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as ‘The Old Guard’, placed U.S. flags at over 260,000 headstones and niche columns across Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, for the 77th annual ‘Flags In’ ceremony, May 22, 2025. This time-honoured ritual, which began in 1948, transforms the vast landscape into a powerful sea of red, white, and blue – a silent but powerful tribute to those who served.
A Day of National Reflection
Beyond Arlington, Americans honoured the day in various ways – attending parades, decorating graves, flying the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon, and pausing for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time. For many, Memorial Day is also a time to reflect on the cost of war and to teach younger generations about the values of service, sacrifice, and patriotism. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer in the United States.