President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump spent Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, May 25, 2026, taking part in the cemetery’s signature observances. The pair joined the traditional ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, laid a wreath in silence, then moved on to the Memorial Amphitheater for the national observance.
Wreath-laying and national observance
The wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier began around noon and flowed directly into the 158th National Memorial Day Observance at the Memorial Amphitheater, a program that featured remarks from Gold Star families and musical performances. The official party on hand included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Maj. Gen. Antoinette Gant, with a Missing Man formation flyover by four F-35s providing a stark finale, according to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
White House proclamation and remarks
In step with the ceremonial schedule at Arlington, the White House issued a Memorial Day proclamation that called on Americans to pause twice during the day for quiet reflection: once in prayer at 11:00 a.m. and again for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time. "I ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day," the proclamation states, per the White House.
Visitor information and local coverage
For those heading to Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day events, the cemetery’s visitor information lists the main entrance at 1 Memorial Avenue and provides details on how to access ceremonies and services on the grounds. Local TV crews were also on site, with regional affiliates such as WSAZ sharing video and live coverage of the president and first lady taking part in the wreath-laying.
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