Changing of the Guard: Seasonal Schedule

From Oct. 1 through March 31, the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier takes place once an hour, on the hour. Guard changes at 30-minute intervals will resume in April. 

Published on: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 read more ...

National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery

5/9/2017

"Department of Defense Recognition and Commemoration of the
Fallen Men and Women of the U.S. Armed Forces"

 

The National Memorial Day Observance to honor America's fallen military service members is scheduled for Monday, May 29 at Arlington National Cemetery.

 

The Armed Forces Color Guard present the colors during the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors
Wreath-Laying Ceremony in honor of fallen military service members at the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 30, 2016.

 

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at 11 a.m., at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to be followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Defense in the cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater. A musical 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 Unknown Soldier 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 garage from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. A free shuttle service will provide transportation to the Memorial Amphitheater. 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 cemetery and 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, screwdrivers (or similar tools), air horns, 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 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 the chapel.

 

Arlington National Cemetery
Memorial Day
Wreath-Laying Ceremony