Join us for a ceremony and commemoration at Congressional Cemetery honoring the life and service of Major General Alexander Macomb, Commanding General of the United States Army from 1828 to 1841.
September 20, 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for service during the War of 1812, General Macomb patriotically served the United States for decades. On September 20, we will honor the reinterment of Macomb’s remains with a military ceremony and various speakers. A light reception in the Chapel will follow the ceremony.
This ceremony will not only honor General Macomb’s legacy, but also serve as a tribute to the thousands of veterans interred at Congressional Cemetery —men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps whose service has safeguarded our nation for more than two centuries.
Presented in partnership with representatives of the United States Armed Forces, this event will also commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. We hope that you will join us and the Macomb descendants to reflect on the enduring sacrifices of those who have worn the uniform and to express our gratitude for their service to our country.
RSVP HERE
Program Includes:
Introductory Remarks by A.J. Orlikoff, Interim Executive Director, Historic Congressional Cemetery
Presentation of the Colors: United States Army ‘The Old Guard’ Ceremonial Color Guard
Performance of the National Anthem: The United States Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own’ Brass Quintet
Keynote Remarks: Mr. Charles Bowery, Executive Director, U.S. Army Center of Military History
A Wreath and Flower Laying
Reception and Pop Up Tours
Why is Macomb Being Reinterred?
Major General Alexander Macomb died in 1841 and holds a unique distinction: he may be the only general in American history whose remains have been interred four separate times. He was first buried at the Presbyterian Burying Ground before being removed and reinterred at Congressional Cemetery in 1850. Joined in death by his wife Catherine, the Macombs rested there until the mid-2000s, when the towering obelisk marking their grave began to lean. To prevent the vault from collapsing, the Department of Veterans Affairs repaired the monument. During this work, the Macombs’ remains were removed, and the Smithsonian, in coordination with the Macomb descendants, studied the remains and burial contents.
Most of General Macomb’s remains were reinterred in 2008 in a military ceremony attended by descendants. However, the story did not end there. In November 2024, the Smithsonian returned the final remains and artifacts removed from the Macomb vault and others for study. In honor of the Army’s 250th anniversary and the approaching America 250 commemoration, we are proud to reinter General Macomb’s remains for a fourth and final time — in partnership with local Department of Defense commands and the Macomb family.
