how to fly your own flag over the tomb of the unknown solider

The men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms deserve the thanks of a grateful nation, and everyone who reaps the benefits of the freedoms that these brave men and women fight to preserve and protect should likewise express gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

This article explains how you can fly, and later present, your own commemorative American flag over the Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) in Arlington National Cemetery in honor of deceased military personnel.

Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, is the premier cemetery for military veterans in the United States. Established in 1864 during the U.S. Civil War, more than 400,000 active-duty service members, veterans, and their families now rest within the cemetery’s hallowed grounds, and Arlington performs approximately 35 funeral services each week for U.S. veterans who qualify for this benefit of service.

Perhaps lesser known among the many services Arlington provides, however, is the cemetery’s “Commemorative Flag Flying Request” program. Not restricted to military veterans or their families, individuals may send an American flag to Arlington National Cemetery that will fly over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (also known as the Tomb of the Unknowns). After its return, this flag offers a meaningful way to honor or remember a member of the U.S. Armed forces, regardless of his or her branch of service, or any person/organization deserving of this tribute.