National Memorial Day Observance at the Arlington National Cemetery

The National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery is the official United States tribute to fallen service members. You will join a national moment of remembrance at the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The day is defined by formal military tradition in a setting where the cost of service is visible in rows of white headstones.

You can expect a structured morning that begins with a musical prelude in the amphitheater, often featuring the United States Marine Band or the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters. A joint service team then conducts the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The main program follows inside the amphitheater and typically includes remarks from the President of the United States or a senior Department of Defense leader, along with patriotic performances by premier military bands.

Access is free and open to the public, with seating available first come, first served and filling quickly. We recommend arriving at the Welcome Center by 8:30 AM to clear security and board the free shuttle, since walking to the amphitheater is prohibited during the event; the last shuttle usually departs around 10:15 AM or when capacity is reached. Plan for strict screening, bring only clear plastic water bottles, and leave large bags and umbrellas behind; pets are not permitted. Dress should be professional or respectfully formal, and if you are authorized to drive onto the grounds, you will need Real ID compliant identification if you are 18 or older.

For convenient access, stay in Rosslyn, Pentagon City, or Crystal City for quick Metro Blue Line service or a short ride share. The ceremony proceeds in rain, although movement outdoors may be restricted during heavy storms. If the amphitheater reaches capacity, you can still visit parts of the cemetery grounds, but the formal program is limited to seated areas, and access to specific graves is typically restricted until normal operations resume, often around 2:00 PM.