On May 25, 2024, former President Barack Obama made a quiet and powerful visit to the Alexandria National Cemetery, joining local volunteers for the annual “Flags-in-Ground” ceremony held the Saturday before Memorial Day.
During the event, American flags and flowers—donated by The National Memorial Day Flowers Foundation—were placed at all 4,300 graves to honor those who gave their lives in service to the United States. President Obama spent over an hour on-site, personally placing more than 200 flags and flowers in tribute.
His presence added national attention to a deeply local tradition, organized by VFW Post 609 and supported by community groups, including Gravestone Stories. The former president also offered brief, heartfelt remarks on the importance of remembrance.
The ceremony highlighted Alexandria’s enduring commitment to honoring its military dead—and the central role the Alexandria National Cemetery continues to play in the city’s Memorial Day observances.