Arlington National Cemetery Access Limited For Memorial Day

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington National Cemetery will remain closed to the general public and only be open to family pass holders during Memorial Day Weekend. Cemetery officials do not anticipate altering the facility's operations before this weekend, according to a press release. Access to the cemetery has been prohibited due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are expecting several thousand family pass holders to visit their loved ones graves this Memorial Day weekend," Charles “Ray” Alexander, Jr., superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, in the release. "Protecting the health of our employees, service members, contractors and our visitors is paramount. Arlington National Cemetery continues to monitor health and safety conditions and will promptly inform the public with any updates or changes to our operating status. Resuming more routine operations will be deliberate and conditions based as we abide by DOD regulations and CDC guidelines.”

During Memorial Day weekend, family pass holders visiting the cemetery must adhere to the following guidance:

• Family pass holders will need to show security personnel at all cemetery entry points proof of having face coverings before entry they cemetery.
• Face coverings must be worn in restrooms and at all other times within the cemetery, where individuals are not able to maintain a six-foot social distance.
• The family pass is not to be used to visit other historic locations within the cemetery. Passes are only to be used for visiting a loved ones' grave.

The Memorial Avenue gate at the main entrance of the cemetery will be they only gate open for family pass holders during the holiday weekend. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. All family pass holders must exit the cemetery prior to 5 p.m.

All those who wish to enter the cemetery during the Memorial Day weekend must possess both a face mask and a valid family pass.