WASHINGTON –
The 157th National Memorial Day Observance, recognizing and commemorating the fallen men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, is scheduled for Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m., in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.
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: “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters performing a prelude in the amphitheater at 10:15 a.m.; a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier conducted by a joint service team; and the national observance inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. Attendance for the annual wreath-laying ceremony will be limited this year to official participants only.
Additional details are as follows:
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Free parking is available at Arlington National Cemetery’s Welcome Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Walking to and from the amphitheater is strictly prohibited. Those interested in attending the observance must use the tram from the Welcome Center to the Memorial Amphitheater. The tram will run between 8:30 a.m. until the capacity for the event is reached. Immediately following the ceremony, the tram will resume operations and begin returning attendees to the Welcome Center from the conclusion of the ceremony until 2 p.m.
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Attendees are required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the cemetery and an additional USSS security checkpoint to gain access to the Memorial Amphitheater. Prohibited items include the following: umbrellas, large bags or backpacks, firearms and weapons of any type, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, coolers, picnic baskets, tripods, lighters, screwdrivers (or similar tools), air horns, personal protection sprays, brass knuckles, and insulated beverage containers. Clear plastic disposable water bottles are permitted. Please note that hard water bottles are not authorized in the Memorial Amphitheater for the National Memorial Day Observance. All hard water bottles brought to the USSS security checkpoint to enter the Memorial Amphitheater will be confiscated and not returned.
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Family pass holders visiting their loved ones may enter the cemetery via Memorial Avenue or through the Service Complex Gate.
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The gravesite shuttle will not be available until the cemetery returns to normal operations, estimated to be 2 p.m.
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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.
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All individuals over the age of 18 who are authorized to drive onto Arlington National Cemetery in a vehicle should be prepared to present identification that is REAL ID-compliant at the security checkpoint. Find more information here: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Media/News/Post/14710/Arlington-National-Cemetery-Requires-REAL-ID-Beginning-May-7.
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A live stream of the event will be available at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/36171
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For additional details, media may contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Public Affairs Office at usarmy.mcnair.mdw.mbx.mediadesk-omb@army.mil.
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