Wreaths Across America 2020
Information for Family Pass Holders
During the week of December 13-19, the cemetery will be closed to the general public. On Sunday, December 13, family pass holders ONLY will be welcomed to lay a Wreath Across America (WAA) wreath at their loved ones’ graves from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entry Instructions for Family Pass Holders for Sunday, December 13:
• We ask family pass holders to physically present their official ANC family pass when they arrive at the cemetery. You must have this pass for entry.
• Copies of a family pass, or cell phone images of a family pass, will not be accepted. Only the original family pass on hand will grant access.
• Temporary passes will not be granted.
• Each vehicle must have a physical family pass, and each passenger must show a valid ID and a face covering.
• Family pass holders will be allowed entry into the cemetery in their vehicles as they are on any other day.
• The family pass will be needed for two purposes: 1) Entry into Arlington National Cemetery; 2) To retrieve a wreath at the designated location.
• Family pass holders may also arrive by Metro or park in the ANC garage and walk in through our visitor screening area, as long as they bring their family pass.
• Parking will be available in the ANC parking garage until it is full.
Sunday, December 13 Wreath Distribution Details:
Wreaths Across America wreaths will be provided only on Sunday, December 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
There are two locations for wreath distribution:
• Visitors in vehicles: Funeral queuing lanes (across from the Administration Building)
• Pedestrian visitors: Tram shuttle shelter (near the Welcome Center)
Please follow staff instructions for safe, touch-free wreath distribution.
Families will be asked to proceed to their loved one’s gravesite, place their wreath and then depart from the cemetery. We ask all family pass holders to place wreaths only on their own family member’s grave, in order to allow other families to honor their loved ones.
This will be the only opportunity for family pass holders to participate in laying a WAA wreath.
Note: Family pass holders only may visit their loved one’s grave throughout the week (December 13-19) to place personally purchased wreaths and flowers.
However, due to the volume of wreaths that need to be placed, and to ensure the health and welfare of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), we ask family pass holders to avoid the areas where wreath laying activities are occurring during the week.
Please take comfort in knowing that your loved one was visited by another family member or by a member of The Old Guard as we strive to honor all who rest at ANC during this unique time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will ANC grant an exception for wreath placement for individuals who cannot travel to the cemetery on December 13?
A. ANC cannot accommodate any exceptions for individual wreath placement for individuals who donated a Wreaths Across America wreath. WAA wreath placement for family pass holders will take place only on Sunday, December 13. Family pass holders are welcome to lay a private wreath on other days, but Wreaths Across America wreaths will be available only on December 13.
Q. What is a family pass holder?
A. A permanent family pass is issued to the next of kin (family pass holder) at the time of the interment. Additional permanent passes are available for the parents, spouse, siblings and children of the deceased. For application instructions, click here.
Q. How many people can be admitted on a family pass?
A. Family members may come to the cemetery together as a group, and will receive a wreath. Staff will be on the ground to provide information and any additional assistance needed.
Q. How many wreaths can a family pass holder place in the cemetery?
A. We ask all family pass holders to place wreaths only on their own family member’s grave, in order to allow other families to honor their loved ones. However, we remind all families that due to the volume of wreaths that need to be placed, your loved one may already have a wreath on their grave when you arrive. Please take comfort in knowing your loved one was visited by another family member or by a member of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
Q. Can family pass holders place wreaths on friends' graves or other graves?
A. Because we are not able to have a scheduling system for each family, we remind all families that a wreath may already be placed on your loved one’s grave. We ask that attention and consideration be given so that families will have the opportunity to place a wreath on their own loved one’s grave, should they chose to do so on December 13. We ask that you place wreaths only on your family member’s grave.
Q. How will ANC limit people from decorating numerous graves?
A. We want to ensure that every family has the opportunity to place a wreath on their loved one’s grave. We ask that family pass holders place their wreath at the grave of their family member and respect others’ opportunities to do the same.
Q. Do visitors need to have their physical family pass, or can they show it on their phone?
A. For the safety and security of our staff and visitors, we ask family pass holders to physically present their family pass when they arrive at the cemetery. Temporary passes will not be issued on this day. To enter the cemetery, all visitors must have their ANC-issued family pass, valid ID and a face mask.
Q. Will new family passes be issued during this time?
A. Applications for permanent passes are available at the Welcome Center Information Desk and the Administration Building, or click here to print the form.
Q. After a family pass holder lays a wreath, can they visit other parts of the cemetery?
A. No. The cemetery will be closed to visitors, and therefore we request that all family pass holders depart from the cemetery after they lay a wreath at their loved one’s grave.
Q. Can a family pass holder help the soldiers lay a wreath during the week?
A. No. In order to protect both visitors and soldiers, we ask that you do not approach any soldiers in the cemetery, and avoid the areas where wreath-laying activities are occurring during the week.