Known but to God 2026

About this event

KNOWN BUT TO GOD – ARLINGTON

GBF Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Date : Saturday, December 5, 2026

Location : Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia

Meeting point : Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, 10:00 AM

Format : Community Walk / Wreath Laying Ceremony

Dress : Smart

Entry : Free (registration required)

Known But To God

On November 11, 1921, the United States buried an unidentified soldier from the First World War on a hill at Arlington. A year earlier, Britain had laid its own Unknown Warrior to rest in Westminster Abbey. Both nations made the same decision: honor one soldier nobody could name, so every family still waiting for news had somewhere to stand.

The Tomb carries one line: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.

Since 1937 a Tomb Guard from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment has walked the mat in front of it every hour of every day, through snow, heat, hurricanes and holidays. The cemetery closes at night and the guard stays.

We will never know his name, his hometown or who wrote him letters. We know he went, and he did not come back. All gave some. Some gave all. Those of us who made it home owe them a debt we will be paying for the rest of our lives.

For the last two years, a former U.S. Army soldier has quietly paid for a Green Beret Fitness wreath at the Tomb. He wants no credit, so he gets none here, only our thanks. This year we are opening the ceremony to the whole GBF community.

Situation

The Tomb is the most solemn ground in Arlington. The ceremony is short, silent and precise, and the Tomb Guards run it to the second. A small party lays the wreath with a Tomb Guard while everyone else watches from the plaza.

There is no weight, no timing and no patch. You do not need to have done a GBF event. Veterans, Gold Star families, friends, spouses and kids are all welcome.

Mission

Walk from the Welcome Center to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and lay a wreath on behalf of the GBF community, in honor of the Unknowns and every service member who did not come home.

Execution

• 10:00 AM: RV at the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center . Short brief.

• 10:15 AM: We depart for the Tomb. Walk up with us or make your own way, and be at the Tomb by 11:00 AM. The walk is 20–30 minutes with some climbs, so wear comfortable shoes you are happy to be seen in.

• 11:00 AM: Changing of the Guard.

• 11:15 AM: Wreath Laying.

• After: Group photo away from the Tomb plaza, then you are free to explore the cemetery.

Wreath Layers

A small party will lay the wreath, and priority goes to Gold Star families and veterans. Wreath layers are confirmed before the day and wear a suit, shirt, tie and jacket (or ladies equivalent). No exceptions.

Service Support

• Dress : Smart or smart casual for everyone else. You are representing GBF at a national cemetery, so dress like it.

• Weather : Year one was 35–40°F. Year two was 55–65°F. Bring a layer you can take off and one you can add.

• Parking : Arlington National Cemetery parking garage, next to the Welcome Center (paid).

• Metro : Arlington Cemetery station on the Blue Line, a short walk from the Welcome Center.

• Security : Everyone goes through screening at the Welcome Center. Leave rucks and large bags in the car and be at the RV by 10:00 AM.

• Conduct : Silence and respect at the Tomb. If a Tomb Guard or cemetery staff member gives an instruction, follow it.

• Children & Families : Welcome. Parents and guardians are responsible for their own children.

Admin

• Registration : Free. Register so we know how many people to expect.

• Changes : Arlington National Cemetery sets ceremony times and can change them.

Entry

Most GBF events ask you to suffer. This one asks you to turn up, dress properly and stand quietly for a few minutes for someone who gave everything and was never brought home by name.