ANC Traffic Impacts: April 9-15

From April 9 through April 15, 2026, drivers entering Arlington National Cemetery via Memorial Avenue will experience delays due to a National Park Service pavement resurfacing project. 

Published on: Thursday, April 9, 2026 read more ...

National Memorial Day Observance: Monday, May 25, 2026

The 158th National Memorial Day Observance, recognizing and commemorating the fallen men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, will take place on Monday, May 25, at 12 p.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 the observance include: a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier conducted by a joint service team (attendance limited to official participants); and the national observance inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. Details about the timeline for these events will be provided in the coming weeks. 

A livestream of the event will be available on DVIDS


Important Visitor Information

•  Free parking is available at Arlington National Cemetery’s Welcome Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We encourage visitors to arrive by Metro

•  Walking to and from the amphitheater is strictly prohibited. Those interested in attending the observance must take the tram from the Welcome Center to the Memorial Amphitheater. Immediately following the ceremony, the tram will resume operations and begin returning attendees to the Welcome Center.

•  Attendees are required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the cemetery and Memorial Amphitheater. 

•  Prohibited items: umbrellas; large bags or backpacks; animals other than service/guide animals; glass, metal or themal 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; 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. 

•  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.

•  Family pass holders visiting their loved ones may enter the cemetery via Memorial Avenue or through the Service Complex Gate. Click here for important information about REAL ID requirements

•  REAL ID Requirements: Family pass holders and anyone over the age of 18 authorized to drive onto Arlington National Cemetery in a vehicle—to include both drivers and passengers—must present a REAL ID-compliant identification at the security check point. Click here for more information.

•  The gravesite shuttle will not be available until the cemetery returns to normal operations.

•  Attendees and family pass holders should expect delays entering and exiting the cemetery, as well as movement freezes inside the cemetery during the National Memorial Day Observance.


►  For the latest Memorial Day news and information, check this website, follow our social media platforms @arlingtonnatl, and sign up for email updates via GovDelivery

►  Media may contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Public Affairs Office at usarmy.mcnair.mdw.mbx.mediadesk-omb@army.mil.