Arlington Announces Limited Reopening to General Public for Gravesite Visits

Arlington Announces Limited Reopening to General Public for Gravesite Visits
Modified military funeral honors are conducted for Lt. Demarest Lloyd, USN, at Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 24. Lloyd, a World War II veteran whose body was never recovered after he was reported missing at sea in 1944, was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal during his service. (Photo by Amber Vincent/Arlington National Cemetery)

Members of the general public are allowed to visit graves at Arlington National Cemetery from 8 a.m. to noon as of Sept. 9, part of a relaxing of coronavirus-related regulations that had limited access to family pass holders.

 

Face coverings are mandatory for all visitors and social distancing is “expected,” per a news release announcing the new rules. Sites such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington House, and the Welcome Center remain closed to visitors.

 

Family pass holders can continue to access the grounds from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to visit a loved one’s grave.

 

Restrictions on funeral attendance remain in place, with less than 50 gatherers permitted. Full, updated funeral guidance is available at the cemetery’s website.

 

[RELATED: Arlington Eligibility Changes: Here’s How You Can Have Your Say]

 

VA-operated national cemeteries remain open to the public and resumed conducting committal services in June. Ceremony rules, including limits on attendees, vary by location; families and funeral home personnel are encouraged to contact local cemeteries for guidance.

 

Facebook pages for both Arlington National Cemetery and the VA’s National Cemetery Administration provide detailed updates, links, and contact information.

 

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About the Author

Kevin Lilley
Kevin Lilley

Lilley serves as MOAA's digital content manager. His duties include producing, editing, and managing content for a variety of platforms, with a concentration on The MOAA Newsletter and MOAA.org. Follow him on X: @KRLilley