2015 National Veterans Day Observance

By JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public AffairsOctober 21, 2015

148th National Memorial Day Observance to honor fallen service members
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON - The 62nd annual National Veterans Day Observance to honor all veterans who served and continue to serve in the military is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery.

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor 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 Army Band, "Pershing's Own" 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 Welcome Center's parking lot from 8 a.m. to 5 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 welcome 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.

DOD identification card holders will not be permitted to walk from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall into the cemetery. Instead, they must park their vehicles 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, shuttles will provide transportation back to Fort Myer Memorial Chapel.

Related Links:

Arlington National Cemetery

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