2016 Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Day ∙ Arlington National Cemetery
Saturday, December 17th
USPTO MILITARY ASSOCIATION (UMA) WAA COMMITTEE INFORMATION SHEET
Schedule:
0815 Convoy trucks enter Arlington National Ceremony – best vantage point and VIP congregating spot -roof of the WIMSA Building
0930 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Flyby
0930 Opening Ceremony Begins – McClellan Arch
1000 HMX-1 Fight around the cemetery
1000 Opening Ceremony Ends
1000 Truck doors open, wreath laying begins
SPECIAL WREATH LAYINGS CEREMONIES
10:00 Kennedy Tomb Wreath Placement
10:30 Taft Tomb Wreath Placement
11:30 US Battleship Maine Monument – DISTINGUISHED VISITOR PLACING THE WREATH
12:00 Wreath laying at Tomb of the Unknowns
*** Folks who are assisting at The Memorial Amphitheater Display Room (at the top of the steps at the Tomb of the Unknown) for the meet and greet with Karen and Morrill Worcester, founders of Wreaths Across America, the Worcester Family, Wayne Hanson Chairman of Wreaths Across America and Captain Leslie Nicole Smith, Ambassador of Wreaths Across America, the WAA Team and distinguished guests, please contact Catherine for final instructions.
Other details:
Living History Tribute – As a way of trying to teach visitors about the sacrifices of men and women that have paved the way for our country, WAA is kicking off their first Living History tribute. There will be up to 200 volunteers in period uniforms throughout the cemetery ready to share and teach about our past and present veterans. Please say hello to these volunteers and learn more about the person/conflict they are portraying.
Attire: Civilian Casual – we are very mindful of your safety on the 17th so unless you want to be in uniform/camouflage we would certainly not ask you to be. Some folks do wear the uniform; others choose to be layered and comfortable.
Wreath laying – There will be 60 trucks staged throughout the cemetery, with less busy sections near the back. Section 60 is one of the busiest that day, as you can imagine. “Wreaths Out” usually takes a little over an hour – maybe less if we have over 50,000 people on site as anticipated.
Best Vantage spots –Women’s Memorial is the best place to see the arrival of the convoy – as they all pull in and then turn into the cemetery to the left, right in front of you. Many guests plan to meet there for the convoy then make their plans from there. The Women’s Memorial is the arc’d building at the end of Memorial Drive that faces the bridge. Be mindful if you are down by the gate you may be late to opening ceremony – choose your start point accordingly. If you want to place wreaths queue at the trucks, if you want to see the arrival of the Convoy find a spot along Memorial Drive or in the Concourse at WIMSA, if you want to see the opening ceremony then head to McClellan Arch. Maps of Arlington are available on their Website.
Parking – There will be no parking available at the cemetery or visitors center. If you are planning to arrive by public transportation please anticipate delays and long lines. Best to park at King ST Metro behind the PTO on Eisenhower and take the metro in. Give yourself plenty of time for the trip to Arlington.
*** Security*** Please anticipate extensive security this year and plan your arrival accordingly. We are being told that visitors to Arlington should not bring back packs etc. As Always! With the large crowds expected –be aware of your surroundings and remember, If You See Something Say Something™! There will be a very visible security presence.
Additional information may be found on the WAA Website (http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/volunteer-at-arlington/)
POC and further assistance:
Catherine Ferreira
Mark Booker
Amber Ostrup- Living History
If You See Something Say Something™ https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something