Arlington National Cemetery's Most-Visited Gravesite Reopens to Public

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President John F. Kennedy's gravesite Arlington National Cemetery
An Armed Forces full honor wreath-laying ceremony is held honoring President John F. Kennedy's 103rd birthday at his gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va., May 29, 2020. (Zachery Perkins/U.S. Army)

The gravesite of President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery reopened to the public Saturday for the first time since access to the cemetery was limited in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitors to the site will have to follow one-way signage, wear masks and socially distance, Arlington officials said in a release.

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The site, the most visited at the cemetery before access was limited, includes the graves of JFK and his two brothers, Sens. Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy. Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is buried next to her husband.

There is also a memorial marker to JFK's older brother, Joseph Kennedy, who was lost on a bombing mission in World War II. His remains were never recovered.

Beginning in March, the cemetery limited access to family members, and the Kennedy gravesite was made off-limits. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Memorial Amphitheater and exhibits in the Welcome Center were also off-limits and will remain closed.

The cemetery began re-opening to the public on Sept. 9 and is now open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

However, cemetery officials advised that all visitors must wear face masks "and practice social distancing while visiting these hallowed grounds."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

Related: Army Proposes Limiting Retiree Burials in Arlington National Cemetery

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