Request a Ceremony
NOTICE: We have fixed an issue that greatly improves receiving Ceremony request submissions emails to Gmail (and other .com) accounts. If any issues still persist, we encourage users submit requests from alternate email accounts to avoid delays in processing, and to inform us via 877-907-8585.
Arlington National Cemetery offers the following opportunities to conduct public ceremonies. To avoid delays in scheduling, please read carefully to ensure that you request the appropriate ceremony for your group.
All ceremonies are scheduled based on the discretion of Arlington National Cemetery. All ceremonies are scheduled based on time, location, appropriateness and availability. They are also subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to official U.S. government ceremonies, inclement weather or other unforeseen occurrences.
Public Wreath Ceremonies may be requested up to 180 days in advance. The online system begins accepting requests as early as 7 p.m. ET the evening before the 180 day period.
Initiate a Ceremony Request
Public Wreath Ceremonies
A group may honor U.S. veterans and members of the armed forces by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Public wreath ceremonies are limited to one per group per day, with a maximum of four participants in the ceremony. The wreath for the ceremony is provided by the participants.
Honor Flights
The Honor Flight Network brings veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their respective war memorials. In addition, honor flights often visit Arlington National Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard and to pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Requests for honor flights are accepted six months to a year in advance of the group's visit, but must be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Arlington National Cemetery grants special access to honor flight participants on account of these veterans' age and mobility challenges. Other groups conducting similar trips may be granted special access on a case-by-case basis.
Other Ceremonies
Other ceremonies may be conducted elsewhere on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Families may hold a memorial ceremony at the grave of a loved one; veterans' groups may hold a ceremony at the memorial marker honoring their unit or fallen comrades. Ceremonies may also honor the anniversary of a battle or other significant event.
- Request a ceremony (other than a public wreath ceremony or honor flight/special access ceremony).