Attending a Funeral

Family members and guests at full honors funeral of former Secretary of the Army Togo D. West, Jr. in Section 34 of Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is the most hallowed burial ground of our nation's fallen. A fully operational national cemetery since May 1864, Arlington conducts between 27 and 30 funeral services each weekday and between six and eight services on Saturdays — final farewells to fallen heroes and their family members.

Arlington is one of the few cemeteries that offers graveside burials with military funeral honors with escort. For families, a service at Arlington is the time when the United States military bestows the honors befitting the service and sacrifice of their loved one. We consider it part of our sacred trust to ensure that each funeral is executed with the utmost dignity and respect. 

We suggest wearing attire that is appropriate for the season, but also respects the dignity of the occasion. Proper footwear that allows mobility on hard and soft surfaces is recommended.

Arlington National Cemetery does not provide transportation to funerals. Attendees must provide their own transportation. 


Arlington National Cemetery requires 100% ID checks at all entrances.

All visitors 16 years of age and older (pedestrians, drivers and passengers) must present a valid photo identification upon entering the cemetery. Visitors include all funeral attendees, tourists and personnel on official business. School group leaders and tour guides must also present the required identification. Original documentation is required. Paper copies or cell phone photos of identification are not accepted. 

  • Visitors 18 years of age and older must present a valid U.S. state or federal government-issued photo identification for entry.  
  • Visitors 16 and 17 years old who do not have a U.S. state or federal government-issued photo identification may present an official school-issued photo identification for entry. 
  • Persons who are not U.S. citizens must present a valid passport or U.S. State Department-issued photo identification for entry.