Former President Barack Obama makes surprise appearance at Alexandria National Cemetery

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12. Obama makes surprise visit to honor Alexandria's fallen.

Never Forget
Obama makes surprise visit to honor Alexandria’s fallen.


Former President Barack Obama places a flag at the grave of a fallen service member May 25 at Alexandria National Cemetery. Photo by Debbie Gray

By Jeanne Theismann Thursday, May 30, 2024

Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Alexandria National Cemetery, rolling up his sleeves and joining veterans, Scouting America troops, active-duty military personnel and volunteers May 25 in placing American flags at the graves of soldiers in honor of Memorial Day.

“Each Memorial Day Michelle and I try to do something in order to simply say ‘thank you,’” said Obama in his impromptu remarks. “It is to remind ourselves to be part of that remembrance of those who made such extraordinary sacrifices on our behalf and on behalf of future generations.”



Obama worked alongside several hundred volunteers, including Scouts, Civil Air Patrol Cadets, local church groups, and veterans at the annual Flags In event which places flags at each of the 4,229 graves at the cemetery.

Col. Gerald Krueger (ret) is Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 609 in Alexandria and organizer of the Flags In event at the cemetery.

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