A federal commission has approved the design concept for the 250-foot triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants to build at Memorial Circle.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted to approve the concept at its meeting today (Thursday). Its members, all appointed by Trump, will review an updated design before taking a final vote at a future meeting.
The Trump administration has submitted detailed architectural plans for a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch at Memorial Circle, drawing strong pushback from Arlington’s congressman.
The 12-page filing, prepared by Harrison Design and submitted by the Department of the Interior, was posted today (Friday) to the website of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts ahead of the panel’s meeting next Wednesday. It marks the first time the administration has formally filed plans for the project, which Trump has spent months teasing on social media and in the Oval Office, according to the Washington Post.
The Washington Nationals placed official MLB baseballs on six graves at Arlington National Cemetery this week, honoring servicemembers with ties to the game.
The tradition, now in its third year, recognizes individuals buried at the cemetery who played, led or shaped the game of baseball.
Spring is here, and so are the blooms across Arlington National Cemetery’s 639 acres.
The cemetery just released a video showcasing its grounds in full spring splendor: flowering trees, rolling green hills and quiet moments among the headstones.
Historic preservation work began today (Thursday) on several structures and memorials near Arlington National Cemetery, resulting in lane closures on Washington Blvd and GW Parkway.
Through mid to late May, the National Park Service will be cleaning the Boundary Channel Bridge, repairing deteriorating mortar and conducting restoration work on the Seabees Memorial, the United Spanish War Veterans Memorial and the structural bases of the nearby eagle statues.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D) has reintroduced legislation to remove the reference to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee at Arlington House.
The legislation would rename Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery as the Arlington House National Historic Site. Rep. Don Beyer (D), who represents Arlington in Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, has introduced companion legislation in the House.
Waste collection has been canceled for a second day in Arlington as the county continues to urge motorists to stay off the road.
Curbside collection and brush pickup will not take place tomorrow (Tuesday), and no make-up runs will happen later in the week. Waste pickup was also canceled today (Monday).
Yesterday’s winter storm brought quiet streets and winter fun to Arlington, even as fluffy snowfall turned to icy sleet.
Snow blanketed the streets, which were mostly empty except for the occasional car or snowplow, and iconic views, including those in Arlington National Cemetery. At the same time, local kids — who have the day off from school today (Monday) — took to the parks for sledding and other merriment.
Arlington National Cemetery’s southern expansion project continued to take shape in 2025, preparing the way for 80,000 additional spaces for graves and urns just north of Columbia Pike.
In a video update posted last week, the cemetery spotlighted a new parking garage and other buildings under construction in a forthcoming service complex, along with progress on improved pedestrian access to the Air Force Memorial and the realignment of a portion of Columbia Pike to accommodate the expansion.
A number of roads were closed and there were reports of a strong odor of gas near the Pentagon due to a major gas line rupture Monday afternoon.
Initial reports suggest a 12-inch gas line was struck around 1:15 p.m., at the construction site for the Arlington National Cemetery expansion near the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Joyce Street.
Heavy traffic and some road closures are expected around Arlington National Cemetery this weekend as volunteers lay holiday wreaths at thousands of headstones.
Following record turnout and traffic backups during Family Pass Holder Day last Sunday, the cemetery is, as usual, encouraging volunteers to take the Metro to either Rosslyn or the Pentagon on Saturday. The Arlington Cemetery Metro stop will also be open, but congestion is expected there.
Holiday wreaths are returning to the graves of fallen service members in Arlington National Cemetery next month.
This year’s Wreaths Across America Day is on Saturday, Dec. 13. Beginning at 8 a.m., the annual event is expected to bring crowds around the cemetery as volunteers lay wreaths at thousands of headstones and columbarium niches.
