The annual National Memorial Day Observance to honor America's fallen military service members is scheduled for May 28, 2012 at Arlington National Cemetery.
The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns, to be followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Defense in Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater. A prelude by the U.S. Army Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30 a.m.
Both the wreath-laying ceremony and the observance program are free and open to the general public. No tickets are needed to attend these events. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to be at the Tomb of the Unknowns or seated in the amphitheater by 9:30 a.m.
Free parking is available for vehicles in the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor's Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A free shuttle service will provide transportation to Memorial Amphitheater beginning at 8 a.m. Walking to the amphitheater is prohibited.
After the observance, shuttles will provide transportation back to the visitor's center until 1 p.m. Attendees will be required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the ceremony.
Prohibited items include: large bags or backpacks, firearms and weapons of any type, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, umbrellas, coolers, picnic baskets, bottled water, tripods, lighters, personal protection sprays, and insulated beverage containers.
NOTE: DoD identification card holders will not be permitted to walk from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall into the cemetery. Instead, they must park on post and board a free shuttle bus at the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel. The shuttle service is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.
For additional details, call the Public Affairs Office for the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at (202) 685-4645.
