ARLINGTON, Va. – Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery (SAHNC) in Washington, D.C. will hold their annual removal of wreaths, known as Wreaths Out, on Saturday, Jan. 10, beginning at 8 a.m.
Thousands of visitors are expected to help remove approximately 265,000 wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and approximately 14,000 at SAHNC. The high volume of visitors at ANC may create traffic congestion and delays on nearby streets and at the cemetery’s entrances.
"We extend our profound gratitude to the volunteers and community members who participate in the honored tradition of Wreaths Out at Arlington National Cemetery. Your commitment enables this important effort to restore the grounds to their customary condition, and we deeply appreciate your continued support,” said Executive Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries Karen Durham-Aguilera.
Our top priority is the safety and security of our visitors and employees during this event. Visitors are encouraged to use all four entrances to access the cemetery: the Memorial Avenue Welcome Center, the Ord and Weitzel Gate (near the Marine Corps War Memorial), the Service Complex Gate (near the Air Force Memorial) and, for DoD cardholders, the Old Post Chapel Gate.
Vehicular access to cemetery grounds will not be permitted until normal operations resume. The Welcome Center parking garage will open to the public at 8 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Since we cannot predict when we will return to normal operations, there will be no visitor tram or gravesite shuttle service on Saturday.
We recommend that visitors use public transportation or a ride share service for travel to and from the cemetery. The drop-off location for ride share services is adjacent to the Arlington Cemetery Metro Stop on Memorial Avenue.
All visitors must pass through security screening before entering the cemetery. Prohibited items include: firearms and weapons of any type, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, coolers, picnic baskets, tripods, screwdrivers (or similar tools), air horns and personal protection sprays. Clear plastic water bottles are permitted.
To aid in the removal of multiple wreaths, the public is permitted to bring in PVC pipe, rope and broomsticks. No sharp metal objects are permitted.
Guidance for Visitors
• Give vehicles and heavy equipment the right of way.
• Remove Wreaths Across America wreaths only. Leave all other wreaths/decorations in place.
• Place wreaths in trucks positioned throughout the cemetery.
• When trucks are filled, carry remaining wreaths to unfilled trucks. Please do not place wreaths outside of trucks or anywhere else in the cemetery.
• Please follow instructions from staff to ensure your safety.
• Please ensure you stay informed on the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
For the latest information and event details, sign up for text message alerts by texting “Wreaths” to 844-794-5578. We also encourage you to follow us on social media @ArlingtonNatl and download the ANC Explorer mobile app, available for iOS and Android.