Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day 2009 - The annual Memorial Day tribute is one of only three ceremonies open to the public each year at Arlington National Cemetery, offering Memorial Day weekend visitors to Northern Virginia the opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of America's military members in a most memorable way. Details for the 2009 Memorial Day ceremonies include:

The Ceremonies: Patriotic ceremonies, scheduled for May 25th at 11 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, include an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns, followed by a remembrance ceremony in the Memorial Amphitheater. A prelude concert will begin at 10:30 a.m. This year’s event marks the 141st observance of Memorial Day on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

Parking and Metro Information: Free parking will be available in the visitors Center parking area from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. with free shuttle transportation between the Visitors Center and the amphitheater. Walking is prohibited. In addition, Metrorail will be operating on a Sunday schedule, so attendees may ride the Blue Line to the Arlington Cemetery Station, located just outside the cemetery’s main entrance.

Arrival and Seating and Security: The wreath ceremony is limited to standing room only. Amphitheater seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. While the amphitheater can accommodate 5,500 people, attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the best chance of access to the event. Purses should be limited to essential items and may be subject to security inspections. Prohibited items such as large backpacks, camera bags, coolers, picnic baskets, lighters, bottled water and insulated beverage containers will not be allowed on the premises.

Flags In: In addition, Arlington National Cemetery will honor our nation’s fallen military heroes with Flags In, an annual tradition. Flags In has been conducted each year since the U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) was designated as the Army’s official ceremonial unit in 1948. All flags will be removed after Memorial Day before the cemetery is opened to the public. More about Flags In.

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