Wreaths Across America returns to Arlington National Cemetery this weekend

ARLINGTON, Va. - This Saturday, December 14th, the cherished area tradition Wreaths Across America returns to Arlington National Cemetery.

That’s when thousands of volunteers lay live wreaths at the largest national cemetery’s more than 260,000 headstones and resting locations.

Wreaths Across America started in the '90s as a way to say thank you to our nation's heroes, starting with certain cemetery sections. It has since grown into a national non-profit that seeks to both honor and educate children all across the country on the value of freedom.

Many of the families who volunteer also actually have loved ones lying at rest inside Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

"I know more people here now than active-duty members. And it’s so personal to me because the American Gold Star mothers that I know have their kids here and I always swing by Section 60, shoot a picture, and say hi to them," American Gold Star Mother, Pam Stemple, told FOX 5 last year.

Arlington National Cemetery is one of more than 4,600 locations participating in Wreaths Across America 2024. ANC’s gates open at 8 a.m. for this Saturday’s event.

Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to pre-register. Organizers also say to make sure you’re dressed for the elements and wearing good walking shoes.

You can register by visiting here.

More from Arlington National Cemetery’s website:

Please note: If the volume of visitors into Arlington National Cemetery exceeds our capacity to conduct a safe event, we will suspend entry into the cemetery. Visitors may wish to consider visiting one of the more than 4,600 participating locations across the country held on National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 14 or volunteer to help remove wreaths during our annual "Wreaths Out" event on Saturday, Jan. 11.

Access Points 

•  We encourage volunteers to use all four entrances to access Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Memorial Avenue entrance, Ord and Weitzel Gate, Service Complex Gate and Old Post Chapel Gate on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (DoD ID card holders only) will open to the public at 8 a.m.  

•  Despite ongoing construction, the Service Complex gate will be open.

•  The main entrance to ANC (1 Memorial Ave.) is located at the end of Memorial Avenue, just west of Memorial Bridge and Potomac Park. It is a 5-minute walk from the Arlington Cemetery Metro stop; walk west on Memorial Avenue (away from the bridge). 

•  The Ord and Weitzel Gate is located on the cemetery's north side, near the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima). It is a 15-minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro stop. Walk south on North Meade Street, across Arlington Boulevard and through the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Park. 

•  DoD ID card holders must present their DoD ID to go through the specially-marked DoD screening lanes at all entrance points.