Traffic and delays are expected around Arlington National Cemetery this weekend as thousands of visitors remove holiday wreaths from graves.
The annual “wreaths out” event will take place beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Volunteers are expected to remove approximately 257,000 wreaths from the National Cemetery, along with about 14,000 from the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in D.C.
“We sincerely thank our volunteers and community members who join us at Arlington National Cemetery for the cherished tradition of Wreaths Out. This is a meaningful endeavor to return the cemetery to its traditional condition that would not be possible without your support,” Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army Cemeteries, said in a press release.
Road closures are expected, and visitors are encouraged to use public transit or a rideshare service.
The handmade balsam wreaths honoring the holiday season arrived at the cemetery last month in about 75 tractor-trailers.
The tradition of laying wreaths at headstones across Arlington National Cemetery dates back a few decades. The first wreaths were donated in 1992, and Wreaths Across America was founded in 2007, according to the nonprofit’s website.
The cemetery offers the following guidance to visitors this weekend.
- Give vehicles and heavy equipment the right of way.
- Remove Wreaths Across America wreaths only. Leave all other wreaths/decorations in place.
- Place wreaths in dumpsters positioned throughout the cemetery.
- When dumpsters are filled, carry remaining wreaths to unfilled dumpsters. Please do not place wreaths outside of dumpsters or anywhere else in the cemetery.
- Please follow instructions from staff to ensure the safety of visitors.
- To aid with the removal of multiple wreaths, the public is permitted to bring in PVC pipe, rope and broomsticks. No sharp metal objects are permitted.
- Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and bring work gloves, or other appropriate gear.
