The 73rd annual observance
The 73rd annual National Veterans Day Observance will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, honouring all U.S. military veterans, past and present.
The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the Memorial Amphitheater, a time chosen to mark the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, when the armistice ending World War I took effect in 1918.
The observance is organised by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in partnership with Arlington National Cemetery and the Military District of Washington. It is one of the nation’s most prominent Veterans Day events.
Wreath laying — with a change this year
The centrepiece of the observance is the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A wreath will be laid on behalf of the nation, followed by a moment of silence and the playing of taps.
This year, however, there is a change: the wreath laying itself will be limited to official participants only. Members of the public will not be able to join the wreath-laying procession or stand in the immediate area during that portion of the ceremony, organisers said.
The amphitheater programme that follows the wreath laying remains open to the public. That programme typically includes remarks by senior officials, a keynote address, musical performances and a parade of colours by military units.
Organisers said the change was made for security and logistical reasons, and to allow the wreath laying to proceed on a tight schedule. Veterans groups said they understood the need for order, while some visitors expressed disappointment at the more restricted access.
Who will attend
Senior government and military officials are expected to attend, along with veterans, their families and members of the public. The president traditionally participates in the Veterans Day observance at Arlington, although the White House has not yet confirmed the president’s attendance for 2026.
In past years, the ceremony has drawn large crowds to Arlington, which is the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members, veterans and their families.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded around the clock by sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, is one of the most visited sites at the cemetery.
Veterans Day across the country
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday honouring all who have served in the U.S. armed forces. It was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honour veterans of all wars.
Ceremonies, parades and commemorations will be held in towns and cities across the country on November 11. Schools, veterans organisations and local governments will host events, and many businesses offer discounts or free meals to veterans.
Federal government offices, banks and many schools will be closed for the holiday. The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail, and federal courts will be closed.
What to know if you are going
Visitors planning to attend the Arlington observance are advised to arrive early, as security screening is in place and seating in the amphitheater is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Public access to the cemetery is through its main entrances, and visitors should check Arlington National Cemetery’s visitor guidance before travelling. Photography is permitted in most areas, but visitors are asked to observe decorum and silence during the ceremony.
Those unable to attend in person can usually watch a livestream of the observance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sources
Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (https://www.va.gov); Arlington National Cemetery (https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil); Military District of Washington (https://mdwhome.army.mil); Associated Press.