The policy on items left in Section 60
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is conducting a pilot program in Section 60 to address families’ desires to leave mementos at their loved one’s gravesite. The Superintendent continues to ask visitors not to leave items at gravesites that present a safety or health concern. Additionally, visitors are not allowed to affix items to government furnished markers. These items will be removed and discarded.
The ANC History Office is now responsible for the pilot program and will following these guidelines and procedures:
ANC History Office representatives will photograph objects determined to have unusual, artistic or historical significance during their weekly visits. Select objects deemed worthy of retention will be stored at Fort Belvoir, VA.
ANC maintenance personnel will dispose of items not collected by ANC History Office representatives to facilitate normal operations and maintenance procedures, such as frequent mowing in order to maintain a neat and orderly appearance and prevent damage to equipment and adjacent grave markers.
The ANC History Office conducts collections every Friday morning to ensure the safe-guarding of items having unusual, artistic or historical significance. If family members or visitors wish to keep specific mementos, these items must be collected prior to Friday.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Department of the Army and ANC is not responsible for damage to or missing personal items left in the cemetery or at a gravesite.
If you questions concerning this information please contact the Operations Officer at (703) 614-0594, or the Chief of Staff at (571) 256-4324.