Arlington National Cemetery Closes Welcome Center; Funerals and Family Pass Holder Visitation Continue and Winter Hours Continue Until Further Notice

3/23/2020

ARLINGTON, VA – Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) will close its Welcome Center to all visitors beginning Tuesday, March 24 2020. 

All funeral service attendees and family pass holders, who wish to enter the cemetery, and who arrive on foot or by vehicle, will be directed through security screening by ANC and law enforcement staff to further enhance social distancing measures upon their arrival to the cemetery.  

Additionally, the cemetery’s hours of operation will remain on the winter hours schedule. The cemetery will be open only to funeral attendees and family pass holders.  The hours of visitation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.  The cemetery remains closed to the public.

“Arlington National Cemetery’s mission of laying to rest our nation’s veterans and their families continues,” said Karen Durham-Aguilera, Executive Director, Office of Army National Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery. “We are taking these proactive steps to protect the public, families, our service members and staff.”

Funerals will be conducted as scheduled.  The primary next of kin (PNOK) or person authorized to direct disposition (PADD) should now report directly to the Administration Building to complete their paperwork.  All other funeral service attendees should remain in their vehicles outside of the Administration Building in the queuing lanes until directed by the Cemetery Representative. Family members should contact 1-877-907-8585 for more information on new arrival procedures or if they would like to reschedule a funeral. 

Charles “Ray” Alexander, Jr.  Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery stated, “Security and safety measures will remain in place despite the Welcome Center’s closure. ANC’s risk based measures and operational considerations are for health protection of our ANC workforce and for the public.”

Force health protection is the Army’s top priority.  ANC is dedicated to providing the public with the most up-to-date information on the cemetery status and encourages all to take appropriate measures to prevent potential spread of COVID-19. 

For more information on how to proceed once you arrive at Arlington, please visit our website at: www.ArlingtonCemetery.mil.

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