Arlington Veterans Day | Arlington Convention & Visitors Service

Veterans Day 2023

Veterans Day is a special time in Arlington and Washington, D.C., honoring those men and women that have served in the United States Armed Forces in war and peace. In addition to our proximity to the nation's capital, Arlington is the location of several of our nation's most cherished tributes to our veterans.

Please visit the individual websites of the memorials and monuments listed below for the most up-to-date information on their Veterans Day 2023 observances.

Arlington National Cemetery

1. Arlington National Cemetery

The national celebration, the Veterans Day National Ceremony is normally held annually on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. The event starts with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The nation’s 69th Veterans Day Observance to honor of the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Uniform Services during war and peacetime will be live-streamed beginning at 11 a.m. on November 11 from Arlington National Cemetery.

Women in Military Service for America Memorial

2. Women in Military Service for America Memorial

Every year, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial hosts a ceremony including formal military honors, a keynote address, veteran's remarks and a wreath laying. The ceremony is free and open to the public at the memorial which honors all women who have served courageously, selflessly and with dedication. Click here for more information on this year's event.

The memorial recently revealed a new monument, a life-size sculpture titled The Pledge. The monument, featuring a servicewoman and military working dog, honors the commitment of all brave servicewomen.

Women's Memorial "The Pledge" monument

3. Air Force Memorial

One of the most striking additions to the region's skyline in recent years, the Air Force Memorial's soaring arcs (inspired by the contrails of Air Force Thunderbird aircraft as they peel back in a precision "bomb burst" maneuver) are visible from miles around. Visit the memorial to recognize the service and history of the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.

Flags at half mast at the Air Force Memorial

4. U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

With its sweeping views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C., your Veterans Day tour of the National Capital Area would not be complete without a visit to this striking memorial. The largest cast bronze statue in the world is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives since 1775.

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

5. Memorials in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is also home to many war memorials most of which are concentrated on the National Mall. Honor the lives lost at war by visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial, National World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. In Penn Quarter, you'll find the U.S. Navy Memorial, which is hosting a wreath laying ceremony at 1 p.m. on November 11.