Service Complex Gate Closed

The Service Complex Gate is currently CLOSED to family pass holders and visitors, due to necessary construction on the Southern Expansion project.

Published on: Thursday, April 30, 2026 read more ...

National Memorial Day Observance: Monday, May 25, 2026

UPDATE: May 22, 2026

In preparation for the Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Observance in Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater, ANC will stop admitting visitors and family pass holders at 4 p.m. All visitors must exit the cemetery by 5 p.m. The cemetery will reopen at 6 p.m. for Freedom 250 event attendees.

For more information about the Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Observance, please click here


The 158th National Memorial Day Observance, recognizing and commemorating the fallen men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, will take place on Monday, May 25 in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. Pre-event programming will begin at 10:45 a.m., with the formal program starting at approximately 12 p.m. Please note, this is a change from previous years’ schedule.
 
The annual event is free and open to the public. Seating in the amphitheater is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scheduled events for the observance include: a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier conducted by a joint service team (attendance limited to official participants); and the national observance inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. 

►  View photos of the 158th National Memorial Day Observance. 

►  Watch a livestream of the event on DVIDS.


Important Visitor Information

•  Free parking is available at Arlington National Cemetery’s Welcome Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We encourage visitors to arrive by Metro

•  Walking to and from the amphitheater is strictly prohibited. Those interested in attending the observance must take the tram from the Welcome Center to the Memorial Amphitheater. 

•  Tram service on May 25 will be limited to NMDO ceremony attendee pick-up and drop-off at the Memorial Amphitheater only. The tram is scheduled to operate beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. until event capacity is reached. Please note, security procedures may require a change to this schedule. Immediately following the ceremony, the tram will resume operations and begin returning attendees to the Welcome Center until complete. Once all attendees have returned to the Welcome Center, tram service will end for the day.

•  The gravesite shuttle  will operate, but will not stop at locations near the Memorial Amphitheater; please check our website and social media as there may be updates to this service and schedule throughout the day.   

•  Attendees are required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the cemetery and Memorial Amphitheater. 

•  Prohibited items: umbrellas; large bags or backpacks; animals other than service/guide animals; glass, metal or thermal containers, including hard water bottles and soda cans; alcohol; bicycles; weapons of any kind, including firearms, ammunition, explosives, toy guns and mace/pepper spray; drones and other unmanned aircraft systems; laser pointers; laser range finders; aerosol containers; coolers; picnic baskets; tripods; selfie sticks; lighters; screwdrivers (or similar tools), air horns; brass knuckles; signs exceeding 20"x3"x1/4"; supports for signs and placards; packages; any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard. Clear plastic disposable water bottles are permitted. Please note, this list may be updated based on security procedures.

•  Hard water bottles are not permitted in the Memorial Amphitheater for this event. All hard water bottles brought to the security checkpoint will be confiscated and not returned.

•  Family pass holders visiting their loved ones may enter the cemetery via Memorial Avenue. Please note that the Service Complex Gate will be closed due to necessary construction on the Southern Expansion project. Click here for important information about REAL ID requirements

•  REAL ID Requirements: Family pass holders and anyone over the age of 18 authorized to drive onto Arlington National Cemetery in a vehicle—to include both drivers and passengers—must present a REAL ID-compliant identification at the security check point. Click here for more information.

•  The Memorial Amphitheater will close for the remainder of the day following the National Memorial Day Observance. 

•  Attendees and family pass holders should expect delays entering and exiting the cemetery, as well as movement freezes inside the cemetery during the National Memorial Day Observance.


Freedom250 National Memorial Day Observance: An Evening of Stories and Service at Arlington National Cemetery

Visitors are invited to a Freedom250 candlelight storytelling experience at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater on Monday, May 25, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and close at 8:15 p.m.

 For additional information visit the Freedom250 website