
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 73rd annual National Veterans Day Observance, honoring the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during war and peacetime, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
The annual event is free and open to the public. Seating in the amphitheater is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scheduled events for Veterans Day include: the United States Coast Guard Band accompanied by the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants performing a prelude in the amphitheater at 10:30 a.m.; a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier conducted by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington; and the national observance inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. Attendance for the annual wreath-laying ceremony will be limited this year to official participants.
Additional Details
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Free parking is available at Arlington National Cemetery’s Welcome Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Walking to and from the amphitheater is strictly prohibited. Attendees interested in attending the observance must use the tram from the Welcome Center to the Memorial Amphitheater. The tram is scheduled to operate beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. until event capacity is reached. Please note, security procedures may require a change to this schedule. Immediately following the ceremony, the tram will resume operations and begin returning attendees to the Welcome Center until complete.
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Attendees are required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the cemetery and Memorial Amphitheater.
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Prohibited items: umbrellas; large bags or backpacks; animals other than service/guide animals; glass, metal or thermal containers, including hard water bottles and soda cans; alcohol; bicycles; weapons of any kind, including firearms, ammunition, explosives, toy guns and mace/pepper spray; drones and other unmanned aircraft systems; laser pointers; laser range finders; aerosol containers; coolers; picnic baskets; tripods; selfie sticks; lighters; screwdrivers (or similar tools), air horns; brass knuckles; signs exceeding 20"x3"x1/4"; supports for signs and placards; packages; any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard. Clear plastic disposable water bottles are permitted. Please note, this list may be updated based on security procedures.
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Hard water bottles are not permitted in the Memorial Amphitheater for this event. All hard water bottles brought to the security checkpoint will be confiscated and not returned.
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Family pass holders visiting their loved ones may enter the cemetery via the main entrance on Memorial Avenue.
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Attendees and family pass holders should expect delays entering and exiting the cemetery, as well as movement freezes inside the cemetery during the National Veterans Day Observance.
If You Cannot Attend in Person
Contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Public Affairs Office at usarmy.mcnair.mdw.mbx.mediadesk-omb@army.mil for additional information on the observance program.