In the tiny cemetery behind a still-active Alexandria church, lies the grave of an unknown soldier of the American Revolutionary War.

He was found in his Revolutionary War uniform, buried in a munitions box that was unearthed during excavations in 1826. In 1929, the American Legion took up his cause and formalized an annual commemoration with readings and wreath-layings that coincide each year with the Alexandria President’s Day ceremonies and festivities.

There are numerous other interesting graves in this small cemetery, many dating from colonial times.