The annual National Memorial Day Observance to honor America's fallen military service members is scheduled for Monday, May 31 at Arlington National Cemetery. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct an 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 Defense in the Memorial Amphitheater.
A prelude by the U.S. Navy 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 in the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free shuttles will be available to transport guests from the Visitors Center to Memorial Amphitheater. Free shuttles will also run from the Old Post Chapel parking lot on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to Memorial Amphitheater for Department of Defense identification card holders only. Walking to the amphitheater is prohibited. 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, bottled water, tripods, lighters, personal protection sprays, and insulated beverage containers.
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