Changing of the Guard: Seasonal Schedule

From Oct. 1 through March 31, the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier takes place once an hour, on the hour. Guard changes at 30-minute intervals will resume in April. 

Published on: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 read more ...

Centennial Commemoration Events: November 9–11, 2021

Public Flower Ceremony

November 9–10, 2021
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 

For the first time in nearly 100 years, and as part of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration, the public will be able to walk on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Plaza and lay flowers in front of the Tomb on Nov. 9 and 10, 2021.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration Public Flower Ceremony, a two-day event, will be free and open to the public. Visitors will be able to personally pay their respects to the Unknown Soldiers. This is a rare opportunity for the public to walk next to the Tomb—a privilege otherwise given only to the Sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard.” 

► More information and instructions on how to participate

► Register (Eventbrite) 


History Special Programs

November 9–10, 2021
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 

As part of our special programs, ANC curators and historians will act as docents in the Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater, the location of one of our major Tomb centennial exhibits. From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on November 9 and 10, our team of historians will offer 10-15 minute talks every hour, beginning at 5 minutes past the hour. At the conclusion of the talks, they will be available to discuss our artifact collections and exhibits, as well as answer any questions about museum work, history and teaching with artifacts.

In addition, historians and curators from ANC and other federal agencies, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service, will hold 15- to 20-minute interpretive talks in the Memorial Amphitheater every hour on the half hour, beginning at 9:30am and concluding after the 3:30pm talk. Those interested in attending should access the Amphitheater from the west steps (please see images below) and will be directed to available seating by ANC staff.  Click here for a schedule and more information


Joint Full Honors Procession and Aerial Review

November 11, 2021
9:00 a.m.

On Veterans Day, November 11, the public will be invited to observe a joint full honors procession, meant to evoke elements of the World War I Unknown Soldier’s 1921 funeral procession, and a joint service flyover (aerial review) with aircraft from all branches of the military. The public is invited to stand along a special procession route to participate. Click here for more information

Due to COVID protocols, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting an invitation-only Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the National Veterans Day Observance at the Memorial Amphitheater. A virtual program may be viewed at @ARLINGTONNATL.  

More information 

Map of the procession route


Livestreamed Events (Recorded) 

November 9: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Flower Ceremony

•  8:00–9:00 a.m. EST, www.dvidshub.net/webcast/27490 

•  Noon–1:00 p.m. EST, www.dvidshub.net/webcast/27491

•  4:00–5:00 p.m. EST, www.dvidshub.net/webcast/27492

November 10: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Flower Ceremony 

•  8:00–9:00 a.m. EST, www.dvidshub.net/webcast/27495

•  Noon–1:00 p.m. EST, www.dvidshub.net/webcast/27496

•  4:00–5:00 p.m. EST,  www.dvidshub.net/webcast/27497

November 11

•  Wreath Laying Ceremony
11 a.m.–11:30 a.m. EST, www.dvidshub.net/webcast/27489

•  Veterans Day Memorial Amphitheater Observance
11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. EST, www.dvidshub.net/webcast/27487