Memorial Day Ceremony to Honor Military Heroes at Arlington National Cemetery

May 21, 2008
BY Gina Gray

The Amphitheater decorated for Memorial Day ceremonies. Photo by US Army photo

ARLINGTON, Va. - A patriotic ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of America's military members is scheduled for May 26 at 11 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery..

This year's event, which marks the 140th observance of Memorial Day on these hallowed grounds, will be hosted by Maj. Gen. Richard J. Rowe Jr., Commanding General of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region.

A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknowns, followed by a remembrance ceremony in the Memorial Amphiteater. The event will commence with a prelude concert by the U.S. Army Band at 10:20 a.m. inside the amphiteater.

Both ceremonies are free and open to the military community and general public. No tickets are needed to attend this event.

For people interested in observing the wreath ceremony, space is limited to standing room only. Inside the amphitheater, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The amphitheater can accommodate 5,500 people, but attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to the event.

At 8 a.m., the cemetery gates open and a free shuttle service will begin transporting people from the visitors' center to the amphitheater. Attendees will be admitted into the ceremony site at about 8:30 a.m.

People driving to the cemetery may park their vehicles for free in the visitors' center parking garage until 1 p.m. In addition, Metrorail will be operating all day, so attendees may ride the "blue line" to the subway station located just outside the cemetery's main entrance.

Meanwhile, DoD identification card holders may park at Fort Myer, then ride a free shuttle from the Memorial chapel parking lot.

Heightened security measures will require attendees to pass through a checkpoint to gain access to the ceremony site. Purses should be limited to essential items and will be subject to security inspections. Potential weapons will be confiscated. Furthermore, large backpacks, camera bogs, coolers, picnic baskets, bottled water and insulated beverage containers will not be allowed on the premises.

For details, contact the Public Affairs Office for Arlington National Cemetery at 703-607-8574 or email at gina.gray@conus.army.mil.