Veterans Day National Observance - Arlington National Cemetery

Veterans Day 2012 - Each year on Veterans Day, the National Veterans Day Observance takes place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. This moving and memorable annual observance is free and open to the general public.

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2012, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Presidential wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the Department of Veterans Affairs will host an observance program in the Memorial Amphitheater. The U.S. Navy Band will perform a prelude in the amphitheater beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center parking lot provides free Veterans Day parking from at 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. For visitors arriving by Metro, the Visitors Center is about a quarter mile walk from the Arlington National Cemetery stop on the Blue Line. Because walking to the Memorial Amphitheater is prohibited, a free shuttle service provides transportation between the Visitors Center and the ceremony.

Attendees are required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the ceremony. Be sure to make a note about prohibited items, which include:

• large bags or backpacks
  
• firearms and weapons of any type
  
• laser pointers
  
• aerosol containers
  
• soda cans
  
• umbrellas
  
• coolers and insulated beverage containers
  
• picnic baskets
  
• tripods
  
• lighters
  
• personal protection sprays

Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony. Seating in the Amphitheater is limited and first come - first served, so it is advisable to plan to arrive early. It is suggested that attendees plan to be at the Tomb of the Unknowns or seated in the amphitheater by 9:30 a.m. For additional information, visit:

• Arlington National Cemetery Website
  
• www.army.mil
  
• Department of Veteran Affairs Website

Related Articles and Information

• Visiting Arlington National Cemetery
  
• Arlington VA Hotels - Compare Rates
  
• Arlington VA Monuments and Memorials
  
• More Veterans Day Ceremonies in Virginia
  
• When is Veterans Day?

^{Photo of previous Veterans Day Observance: Courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery}