HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 18, 2025) … This year, Hampton University Men's Lacrosse has partnered with the National Cemetery Administration at the Hampton National Cemetery, located on our campus, to honor our nation's heroes by placing a rose on every single gravesite in the cemetery where more than 26,000 veterans have been laid to rest.

"The team wanted to honor the veterans that have been laid to rest here. We decided to start this project asking for donations for roses, and our guys will lay the roses on each grave at the end of this campaign. This is a way to support the veterans that have been laid to rest here along with the Hampton University lacrosse program," said Hampton University Head Coach Vincent Culpepper.

Operation Rose Memorial Fundraiser is not only a tribute to those who sacrificed for our country, but also a fundraiser that supports the only HBCU Division I Men's Lacrosse program in the nation, right here at Hampton University.

Here's how it works: For every $10 donation, a rose will be purchased that will be placed on a veteran's gravesite at Hampton National Cemetery. A portion of each donation directly supports our lacrosse program, enabling us to provide our student-athletes with an exceptional experience as members of the historic, first-and-only Division I HBCU lacrosse program. Our coaching staff and student-athletes will personally spend an entire day in the cemetery placing every rose purchased.

Each donation makes a dual impact:

1. Honors a hero with a rose placed at the Hampton National Cemetery
2. Strengthens Hampton University Men's Lacrosse, empowering us to continue building opportunities, resources, and experiences for our players.

Visit our fundraising website here: Operation Rose Memorial - A Fundraising Initiative With Purpose
YouTube Video Link w/ more Info: HU Men's Lacrosse: Operation Rose Memorial Fundraiser