ARLINGTON, VA. – The annual Wreaths Across America escort of handmade balsam wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery will begin arriving in Arlington County on Friday, December 13th. The annual convoy of wreaths, originating in Maine and ending at Arlington National Cemetery, includes over 75 tractor trailers and numerous support vehicles that will reach the Cemetery at various times throughout the day.
On Saturday, December 14th, several thousand volunteers will descend upon the Cemetery and help lay wreaths on every gravesite throughout the property beginning at 8 AM. The public can anticipate large crowds and heavy pedestrian traffic related to the event. Traffic is expected to be impacted in and around the immediate area. Motorists are advised to allot extra travel time and seek alternate routes to reduce road congestion.
Road Closures: The Arlington County Police Department and its law enforcement partnering agencies will close roads and monitor traffic conditions in support of the event. Volunteers and the general public should be aware of the following potential traffic disruptions on December 14th, starting at 5 AM until approximately 2 PM:
Southgate Road, between Columbia Pike and S. Oak Street, will be closed and restricted to authorized vehicles only. Temporary no parking signs will be posted and vehicles in violation will be towed after 12 PM on Friday, December 13th.
Marshall Drive, between N. Meade Street and Rt. 110, will be closed and restricted to shuttle bus traffic only.
Meade St. will be closed from N. 14th Street to Marshall Drive, except for local residents and those using the Wright Gate to access Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
Memorial Avenue, from Memorial Circle to the entrance of the Cemetery will be closed. Access to the Memorial Bridge from southbound George Washington Parkway and northbound Rt. 110 will also be closed.
Additional road closures will be implemented in locations along I-395, the George Washington Parkway, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and the Pentagon Reservation by the Virginia State Police, United States Park Police, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Police, and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency.
Other roads not listed may be closed for short durations at the discretion of law enforcement in the interest of public safety.
Motorists are reminded that parking on the shoulder of Rt. 110 is strictly prohibited. Any vehicle that is left unattended will be towed at the owner’s expense. Stopping or standing in the travel lanes to discharge or pick up passengers is also prohibited, and police officers will be patrolling along Rt. 110 to address observed violations of applicable traffic laws.
Attendees are encouraged to travel by multimodal and public transportation options to reduce vehicular congestion. The Rosslyn and Pentagon metro stations are a short walk to the Cemetery.
Designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones have been established at the Hayes lot located at 599-549 Army Navy Drive. From this location, volunteers will need to walk to the Cemetery’s South Gate entrance. Volunteers seeking additional event information should visit the Arlington National Cemetery website.