More than a thousand people, many wearing their Sunday best, came to Arlington National Cemetery in the predawn darkness of April 20, 2025, to attend the annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Memorial Amphitheater. The service, hosted by Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, dates back to 1927 as a non-denominational tradition that draws people from all walks of life to hear a seasonal message of hope.
After a musical prelude by the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” Rear Adm. Carey H. Cash, U.S. Navy Deputy Chief of Chaplains, began the service by quoting John McCrae’s famous poem, “In Flanders Fields.” Originally published in 1915, the poem commemorates those who served and sacrificed during World War I and were buried “where poppies grow between the crosses, row on row.” Cash added, “Likewise, we look out at row upon row of headstones that mark the lives of our veterans who gave their lives defending freedom.”
After the service, visitors spoke about the tradition of beginning their Easter Sunday at Arlington National Cemetery. Joe and Christine Blasiole, who had been to the service once before, said, “We love the service, and we love this piece of property.” Christine praised Chaplain Cash’s message of hope and resurrection. “He did such a great job of bringing that to light and helping us to relate,” she said, “even in the midst of being surrounded by all of our service people who have died.”
Tim and Virginia Oliver came to honor Tim’s grandfather, Alfred C. Oliver Jr., an Army chaplain who served in both world wars. According to Tim, his grandfather started the Easter Sunrise Service at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Tim himself is a retired U.S. Navy submarine captain.
Holly Seskes has been attending the service since 2017. This year, she brought her husband and his parents. “It always means so much to me because of where it is and the incredibly beautiful music,” she said. “It’s a very special service and a special message.”
Retired U.S. Army Col. Thomas Austin, the former director of engineering at ANC, has come to appreciate the service. “Once I departed, I really came back to what a special place this is for Easter Sunrise Service,” he said. “Hearing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ while sitting in the seats was just an amazing experience.”
Once the service ended, the band played while the crowd filed out of the amphitheater, ready to go home and celebrate Easter in their own ways.
