Memorial Day Tours of the Soldiers' Home National Cemetery 2025

Commemorate Memorial Day with guided tours of the United States Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. Visited by President Abraham Lincoln, the Soldiers' Home National Cemetery is notable for being the first national cemetery (est. 1861) and for serving as the final resting place for John Logan, who formalized Memorial Day celebrations in 1868.

Tours of the cemetery and a wreath-laying ceremony at Logan's mausoleum will highlight the history of the Soldiers' Home Cemetery, notable people buried there, and the history of Memorial Day.

WREATH LAYING CEREMONY AT JOHN LOGAN MAUSOLEUM (FREE)

10:00 am.

CEMETERY TOURS (FREE)
10:45 am and 12:30 pm.

Tours last approximately 30-45 minutes.

Registrants are asked to gather at the bandstand adjacent to President Lincoln's Cottage 30 minutes prior to each scheduled event, so that Cottage staff can lead them over to the nearby Soldiers' Home Cemetery.

AFRH SECURITY

President Lincoln's Cottage is located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. All visitors will be asked to show a valid form of ID at the security gate upon arrival.

No weapons of any kind are allowed on the property.

If arriving via scooter or bicycle rideshare, please leave it parked outside of the gates.