US: Honoring heroes with flowers on Memorial Day

On the last Monday of May (which fell on May 26 this year), Americans pause to remember the heroes who gave their lives in service to their country. Traditionally, visitors and family members place flowers at the gravesites of America's heroes and for 15 years, The Memorial Day Flowers (MDFF) Foundation is facilitating this tradition. This year, the Foundation placed more than 150,000 flowers at Arlington National Cemetery, continuing its mission of national remembrance. In a heartfelt extension of this initiative, a group of floral industry volunteers distributed more than 3,500 red roses at the South Florida National Cemetery, located just an hour north of Miami.

4.000 stems from Colombia
Colombian flowers once again accompanied thousands of Americans in remembrance and solidarity. Through a longstanding partnership between Asocolflores and the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation, Colombia's floricultural sector joined in honoring the lives of those who
served. This year, more than 4,000 stems—donated by Colombian growers including Sunshine Bouquet, Queens, Elite, Passion, and leading dianthus breeders—were placed at Arlington National Cemetery and shared at commemorative events across the U.S.throughout the weekend.

Led by Asocolflores and its brands Flowers of Colombia and Dianthus Land Colombia, the initiative reflects how Colombia and the United States continue to stand alongside one another. "By being part of Memorial Day, we not only pay tribute to those who served but also recognize the emotional strength and unity that flowers help foster," said Augusto Solano Mejía, President of Asocolflores.

"With nearly 80% of Colombia's fresh flower exports destined for the United States, the floriculture industry sustains close to 200,000 formal jobs in Colombia—60% held by women and over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. "But beyond trade, these flowers speak to something more profound: the enduring human connections that bind our two nations."

"On Memorial Day, we accompany the United States with a gesture of solidarity," said Ambassador of Colombia to the United States, Daniel García-Peña. "Colombian flowers carry with them a message of respect, gratitude, and shared humanity—offered from one nation to another, in recognition of the significance this day holds for so many American
families."

South Florida National Cemetery
This year, Memorial Day Flowers Foundation expanded tribute efforts to South Florida National Cemetery. In collaboration with the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation, Jet Fresh Flowers, Rosaprima, Chrysal, and New Bloom Media—along with members of their families—participated in a special Memorial Day service organized by the Palm Beach County Veterans Committee. Roses were lovingly handed out to attendees, who then placed them throughout the cemetery grounds as a personal tribute to those who served and sacrificed.

The flowers were generously donated by Jet Fresh Flowers and Rosaprima, and distributed with the support of the Palm Beach County Veterans Committee, ensuring a meaningful and inclusive moment of remembrance for all who visited.

The idea to extend the floral tribute locally was sparked by Mimi Pacheco of Jet Fresh Flowers and Jena Girzensky of Rosaprima, both of whom volunteered last year at Arlington National Cemetery. Inspired to bring "That Flower Feeling" home to South Florida—a region rich in floral industry roots—they coordinated this local effort with the help of Memorial Day Flowers Foundation Director Ramiro Peñaherrera, who helped reconnect them with the Veterans Committee.

It was extremely special to Jimi "The Tulip" Santoli, whose father is laid to rest at the South Florida National Cemetery, who volunteered along colleagues, Ryan Black and Mimi Pacheco of Jet Fresh Flowers, Scott Blumenthal, Sahid Nahin, Jena Girzensky and Brianna Reeves. This effort reflects the floral community's deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation and its partners remain committed to expanding this initiative across national cemeteries nationwide, ensuring no hero is forgotten.

"My first experience volunteering with the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation truly opened my eyes. As we placed flowers and thanked families for their loved ones' sacrifice, I witnessed the comfort and connection those simple gestures brought. If we can express our gratitude with flowers, even for just one day, then we've upheld the true spirit of Memorial Day—remembrance, gratitude, and unity."said Sahid Nahim of New Bloom Media.

15 years of honoring heroes
This year, the MDFF celebrated 15 years of honoring heroes. "Our journey would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our longtime supporters. Through every challenge, including times when the world stood still, these incredible organizations ensured the Foundation could continue its vital work", the MDFF organization said in their 15th anniversary article, in which the sponsors are listed too.

Arlington National Cemetery remains the heart of the Foundation's mission. What began in 2011 as a heartfelt gesture involving just 10,000 roses has blossomed into a significant nationwide effort. Today, MDFF supports flower placement ceremonies at over 100 cemeteries across the country. "This decentralized approach empowers local communities to organize and participate in a collective act of remembrance for their hometown heroes."

More Memorial Day initiatives
Additional Memorial Day initiatives took place across the region. On Sunday, the day before Memorial Day, hundreds attended the Flowers of Remembrance ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, now in its fourth year. The event allowed the public to place a single flower, provided by Arlington National Cemetery, at the base of the tomb. It offers a rare opportunity to approach the memorial and reflect on service, sacrifice, and national memory. Click here to see the broadcast on it made by Fox 5 Washington DC.

Also US growers organized initiatives. At Chenier's Greenhouse in Gladstone, Michigan, for example, red, white, and blue planters were sold, with all proceeds directly benefiting the U.P. Honor Flight. Nick Chenier, a Chenier's Greenhouse co-owner, told TV6 that the planters have been selling really well. They expect to earn between $3,500 and $5,000. Chenier says this is a good time to do it since the U.P. Honor Flight just recently happened.

See below an impression of Memorial Day 2025 at Arlington National Cemetery.