Memorial Day Ceremony at Virginia Veterans Cemetery

The Memorial Day Ceremony at Virginia Veterans Cemetery offers a measured, respectful way to pay tribute in central Virginia. You will find the cemetery in Amelia Court House, about an hour southwest of Richmond, set across 129 acres of carefully maintained grounds. Each year, the public gathering draws local residents, veterans groups, and visitors who want to honor service members in a setting designed for reflection.

The formal program typically runs from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day Monday at the cemetery assembly area. Specific speakers and musical participants change year to year, but you can expect core military traditions, including a color guard presentation, wreath laying, and Taps. After the ceremony, plan to stay a little longer and walk the landscaped lanes, where the memorial sections are spread across the property.

Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. We recommend arriving by 9:30 a.m. to park, get oriented, and find seating before the program begins. Late May in Virginia is often warm and humid, so bring water and dress in light fabrics; a sun hat or handheld fan helps in the open assembly area. Use the restroom facilities near the administrative building ahead of time, and if rain is expected, be prepared for a program that proceeds outdoors or shifts to a covered area depending on conditions.

For overnight plans, you will have the easiest access by staying in the broader Richmond or Chesterfield area, or by choosing a rental in the Appomattox River region if you prefer a more rural base. Pets are generally best left at home during the formal ceremony, and while you explore the grounds, stay on established paths and keep your voice low in consideration of veterans and families.