VETERANS DAY CEREMONY HONORS MILITARY SERVICE

AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

ARLINGTON, Va. - A patriotic ceremony honoring America's military members is scheduled for November 11 at 11 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknowns, followed by a ceremony in the Memorial Amphitheater. The event will commence with a prelude concert by the U.S. Air Force Band at 10:30 a.m. inside the amphitheater.

This year's event will be hosted by the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Thomas Bock, National Commander of the American Legion; & Maj. Gen. Guy C. Swan III, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region.

Both ceremonies are free and open to the military community and general public. No tickets are needed to attend this event. General public must choose between the two locations.

For those 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 visitor center to the amphitheater. The cemetery's visitor parking lot will be free until 1 p.m.

Fort Myer will also operate a free shuttle for DoD Identification card holders from the Memorial Chapel parking lot. Walking is prohibited from Fort Myer.

For details, contact the Arlington National Cemetery Public Affairs Office at 703-607-8574.

Last updated on November 10, 2005