What is the name of the Memorial Day ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater?

The ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater is called the National Memorial Day Observance.

The annual observance is a major federal Memorial Day ceremony. It traditionally includes patriotic music, military participation, remembrance of fallen service members, and remarks by national leaders. The amphitheater provides a formal setting within Arlington for the country’s central public commemoration.

The Memorial Amphitheater was dedicated in 1920 and stands near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It hosts ceremonies on other occasions as well, so the building itself should not be confused with the specific Memorial Day event held there.

The National Memorial Day Observance is also distinct from local parades, cemetery services, and the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington. Those events share the holiday’s purpose but are organized separately and have different names.