National observance to honor America's Veterans

By JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public AffairsNovember 7, 2013

National observance to honor America's veterans
President Barack Obama and Sgt. 1st Class Chad Stackpole lay a wreath to mark Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Nov. 11, 2012. Stackpole, sergeant of the guard for the tomb, is assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY -- The annual National Veterans Day Observance is scheduled for Monday, November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery to honor all veterans who served and continue to serve in the military.

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Presidential Wreath-Laying Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns, to be followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater. A prelude by the United States Air Force Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30 a.m.

Both the wreath-laying ceremony and the observance program are free and open to the general public. No tickets are needed to attend these events. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to be at the Tomb of the Unknowns or seated in the amphitheater by 9:30 a.m.

Free parking is available for vehicles in the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor's Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A free shuttle service will provide transportation to the Memorial Amphitheater beginning at 8 a.m.

Walking to the amphitheater is prohibited. After the observance, shuttles will provide transportation back to the visitor's center until 2 p.m.

Attendees will be required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the ceremony. Prohibited items include: large bags or backpacks, firearms and weapons of any type, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, umbrellas, coolers, picnic baskets, tripods, lighters, personal protection sprays and insulated beverage containers. Clear plastic water bottles are permitted.

NOTE: DoD identification card holders will not be permitted to walk from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall into the cemetery. Instead, they must park on post and board a free shuttle bus at the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel. The shuttle service is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. After the observance is over, shuttles will provide transportation back to the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel.

For additional details, call the Public Affairs Office for the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at 202-685-4645.

Related Links:

Proclamation by President Obama for Veterans Day 2013

Arlington National Cemetery

Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington