Arlington National Cemetery announces details for National Memorial Day Observance

Makea Luzader
·2 min read

ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) — The Arlington National Cemetery is holding its 156th National Memorial Day Observance event on Monday.

Each year, the cemetery honors fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces in the ceremony. The event, which is free and open to the public, starts at 11 a.m. Reservations are not required, but amphitheater seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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If you are planning to attend, there is free parking at the cemetery’s Welcome Center parking lot. The parking is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You’ll then have to take a tram to the Memorial Amphitheater from there — organizers said that walking to and from the amphitheater is prohibited. The tram runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. or until the capacity is reached.

The tram will start running again right after the event and will bring visitors back to the Welcome Center until 2 p.m.

There are events scheduled before the observance — at 10:15 a.m., the U.S. Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants and the U.S. Coast Guard Band will perform a prelude in the amphitheater.

Anyone who attends will have to pass through a security checkpoint. Organizers reminded attendees about the following prohibited items:

  • Large bags or backpacks

  • Firearms and weapons

  • Laser pointers

  • Aerosol containers

  • Soda cans

  • Coolers

  • Picnic baskets

  • Tripods

  • Lighters

  • Screwdrivers

  • Air horns

  • Personal protection sprays

  • Brass knuckles

  • Insulated beverage containers

You can bring a clear plastic water bottle and an umbrella.

The wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will take place before the main event. Organizers said that attendance for that ceremony this year is limited to official participants.

Officials said to expect delays when going into and out of the cemetery on Memorial Day. There also might be movement freezes inside during the event.

Organizers said that a live stream of the event will be available online.

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