Live in Arlington or Alexandria long enough and you start to notice how many veterans are part of everyday life. They're at the coffee shop on King Street, at the farmers market on Saturday, at the end of your block. Some of them are in your own family.
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, Arlington National Cemetery hosts the 73rd annual National Veterans Day Observance. It's free, it's open to the public, and if the veteran in your life is getting older, it could be one of the most meaningful mornings you spend together this year. It just takes a little more planning than it used to.
The essentials: The prelude begins at 10:30 a.m. with the U.S. Coast Guard Band and the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then continues in the Memorial Amphitheater. Seating is first come, first served. Parking at the Welcome Center is free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a tram takes guests to the amphitheater starting around 8:30 a.m. You'll find everything else in the cemetery's official notice.
A Day That Belongs to Northern Virginia
Virginia is home to more than 663,000 veterans, according to Virginia DVS. The state's 2024 annual report notes that Virginia has the highest percentage of women veterans in the country, so the veteran in your family may well be your mom, your aunt, or your wife. Virginia also ranks second in veterans per capita, behind only Alaska.
Here, that history is close to home: Fort Myer sits right next to the cemetery.
The national observance honors every one of them. The wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is conducted by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Then, inside the amphitheater, veterans' organizations carry in their colors and dignitaries offer remarks. This year the wreath-laying is limited to official participants, so the public gathers in the amphitheater.
For someone who served decades ago, watching fellow veterans carry those flags down the aisle can mean a great deal. For the family sitting next to them, it's a chance to say thank you.
Making the Morning Easier on an Older Veteran
Get there early. The tram runs until the amphitheater fills, and walking in isn't allowed for this event, so the tram is the only way to reach the ceremony. If your loved one uses a wheelchair or walker, call the cemetery at 877-907-8585 ahead of time and ask what to expect.
Give yourselves a cushion, too. Everyone goes through a security checkpoint, and the cemetery warns of delays getting in and out, along with movement freezes while the ceremony is underway. Count on a long morning, much of it seated outdoors in November weather.
Pack lighter than you think you need to. Umbrellas, large bags, coolers, aerosol cans, and hard water bottles aren't allowed, though clear disposable water bottles are fine. A small bag with medications, a snack, and a warm layer should cover the basics.
And if the crowds, the cold, or the wait would be too much this year, that's okay. The cemetery plans to livestream the ceremony. Watching together at home at 11 a.m. can be just as meaningful, especially if you pull out the old service photos and finally ask about the stories behind them.
The Other 364 Days
The ceremony is one morning. Caring for an aging veteran is every day, and it often falls on a spouse or an adult child who's also juggling work and a family of their own. That's where BrightStar Care of Arlington / Alexandria comes in.
The local team accepts VACCN benefits, so veterans who qualify for care through the VA Community Care Network can get in-home support from people right here in Arlington and Alexandria. VA decides eligibility, so the veteran's VA care team is the place to confirm it.
VA benefits can be confusing to sort through. Your family may already be looking at VA programs like respite care or the Family Caregiver program, which includes at least 30 days of respite a year. Either way, the BrightStar Care team can help you understand your options and see how in-home care fits alongside the support you already have.
Care Close to Home, From Del Ray to Fort Myer
The right support at home can make a big difference for a veteran who wants to stay put, keep their routines, and stay close to family.
BrightStar Care of Arlington / Alexandria is family-owned, founded by Kerry and Rob Massie in 2012, and Joint Commission accredited. The team serves Alexandria, Arlington County, Fort Myer, Del Ray, Potomac Yard, Huntington, and Fort Hunt, and accepts VACCN benefits for veterans who qualify.
Care starts with a free in-home assessment by a registered nurse, who builds a plan around your loved one. That plan might be companion care for conversation and keeping up favorite routines, personal care for bathing, dressing, and moving safely around the house, or skilled nursing when health needs call for it. For spouses and adult children, respite care means a few hours to rest, work, or simply catch your breath.
To talk it through with someone local, call (703) 682-8305.
A Few Quick Answers
Is the ceremony open to everyone?
Yes. It's free and open to the public, and seating in the amphitheater is first come, first served.
Can we walk from the parking lot?
Not for this event. Park at the Welcome Center and take the tram, which starts around 8:30 a.m.
Can VA benefits help pay for home care?
They can, depending on eligibility. Start with the veteran's VA care team, or reach out to BrightStar Care of Arlington / Alexandria to talk through VACCN.
A Thank You That Lasts
Nov. 11 is a day to gather, remember, and say thank you. The weeks and months that follow are where that gratitude really shows up: in a steady routine, a familiar face at the door, and a family that gets to breathe a little easier.
If the veteran in your life could use more support at home, call BrightStar Care of Arlington / Alexandria at (703) 682-8305 to schedule a free in-home assessment.