3 Reasons Arlington is an Ideal Destination for Military Groups and Reunions
There’s no better place to honor the service and legacy of veterans than the historic U.S. capital region.
Veterans Day
No place is more meaningful to honor our nation’s vets on Veterans Day than at the many military memorials in Arlington and Washington, DC.
Celebrated on Nov. 11 each year, Veterans Day honors the members of the military who have served our country in both war and peace. Nowhere is it more relevant than in Arlington and Washington, DC, as the location of some of our nation's most cherished tributes to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. To be inspired like nowhere else in the country, visit the following memorials and monuments to pay homage to our vets on their special day. Please check their individual websites for the most up-to-date information on their Veterans Day observances.
Arlington National Cemetery
On Veterans Day, Arlington National Cemetery, a national military shrine that offers a moving lesson on the true cost of war, hosts a national observance for about 5,000 visitors. The event starts with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks by dignitaries. Per an official news release, attendance for the 2024 wreath-laying ceremony will be limited this year to official participants. A livestream of the event will be available here.
Military Women’s Memorial
Every year, the Military Women’s 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 the 3 million women who have served in the Armed Forces since the American Revolution.
Air Force Memorial
With its soaring stainless-steel spires reaching for the sky, the Air Force Memorial (inspired by the contrails of Air Force Thunderbird aircraft as they peel back in a precision "bomb burst" maneuver) is a visually dramatic tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)
One of the largest cast bronze statues in the world, the Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as Iwo Jima, is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives since 1775. Visit the iconic site to pay tribute to their service on Veterans Day.
Clarendon Central Park
Located in the heart of the Clarendon neighborhood, the one-acre Clarendon Central Park features a War Memorial dedicated to Arlington citizens who gave their lives while serving the country. Observe a moment of silence here on Veterans Day.
Memorials in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is also home to many war memorials, some of which host wreath-laying ceremonies, tributes by dignitaries and other observances for Veterans Day. Honor the lives lost at war by visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial, National World War II Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, all on the National Mall, as well as the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, the National Native American Veterans Memorial and the U.S. Navy Memorial.
Related Stories
Spend a Day Exploring Arlington, VA’s Military Sights
Arlington has an unmistakable connection to the U.S. military. Not only is it home to Arlington National Cemetery and many…
November in Arlington
Fall is underway and Arlington has no shortage of ways to enjoy the crisp weather and changing leaves with a…
More Annual Events
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The iconic National Cherry Blossom Festival turns D.C. pretty in pink each year, as it offers visitors a lineup of fun flower-themed events. Experience a…
Pride Month Celebrations
Honor the DC region’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community with concerts, parties, parades, food and dancing during the Pride Month.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic
The capital region’s premier biking event, the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic draws professionals and amateurs for a spirited racing faceoff.
Quarterfest Crawl
Sip and savor the best of Arlington’s vibrant culinary scene at the Quarterfest Crawl, a Ballston neighborhood food, beer and wine festival.
Rolling to Remember
A high-profile motorcycle rally in the streets of D.C., Rolling to Remember spotlights U.S. POWs and MIAs, as well as the mental health and wellbeing…
Memorial Day
Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Arlington and D.C. where the area’s many military memorials form a dramatic, symbolic backdrop.
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
Groove to the music of the largest blues festival in the DC metro area with national headliners, great food, unique vendors and family fun.
4th of July
Celebrate the birth of the USA in the nation's capital, an the best place to be on July 4th!
Arlington County Fair
Food and fun draw thousands to the annual Arlington County Fair, one of the largest free events on the East Coast.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
Groove to the smooth sounds of jazz at the annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest, a popular community event full of food, music and fun.
Marine Corps Marathon
One of the world’s largest marathons and the only one without prize money, the Marine Corps Marathon draws runners and spectators alike.