Military Ceremony Permits

 

NPS

The National Mall and Memorial Parks are home to some of the nation's most iconic and sacred sites dedicated to our nation's veterans and wars. Members of the military and veterans organizations holding military promotion, reenlistment, retirement, or similar ceremonies may obtain a permit without cost.

Applying for a Permit

Application Form

How to Apply for a Permit - National Mall and Memorial Parks (U.S. National Park Service)

Next Steps

A permits specialist will contact you if additional meetings, discussions, or documents are required and continue to walk you through the permit process. A permit must be issued prior to holding the activity in the park.

Things to Know Before Applying

A permits specialist will guide applicants through the permitting process and can also be contacted before applying to answer any questions. Please also review the Permits Resources related to your proposed activity.

Locations and Location-Specific Requirements

Most military promotions, reenlistment, and retirement ceremonies take place at four locations. Contact the Division of Permits Management to discuss any additional potential areas:

Lincoln Memorial Lower Plaza

Military ceremonies are permitted on the lower section of the plaza in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Limited setup may include flags, chairs, and a podium. Other equipment must be discussed with the permits specialist.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Steps

Military ceremonies are permitted on the bottom steps of the Lincoln Memorial nearest to the Reflecting Pool. Limited setup may include flags, chairs, and a podium. Other equipment must be discussed with the permits specialist.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Military ceremonies are permitted on a lawn area between the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Constitution Gardens. Limited setup may include flags, chairs, and a podium. Other equipment must be discussed with the permits specialist.

World War II Memorial

Military ceremonies are permitted on the Ceremonial Entrance Plaza on the east side of the World War II Memorial. Limited setup may include flags, chairs, and a podium.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I have a ceremony at locations not listed above?

Yes, military ceremonies may take place at many locations throughout National Mall and Memorial Parks. Please contact the Division of Permits Management to discuss available locations, capacity, etc.

What if I am laying a wreath?

Information on this page is intended primarily for promotion, reenlistment, retirement, and similar career-related ceremonies. Please visit the Wreath Laying Ceremony Permits page for more information about the application process, associated costs, and event logistics.

Do Honor Flights need permits?

Yes, in general Honor Flights conducting ceremonies for large groups of military veterans visiting memorials require a permit. There may be additional logistics to discuss with a permits specialist.

Can I have a reception as part of a military ceremony?

Private receptions are only permitted at two locations in National Mall and Memorial Parks, which are Henry Bacon Ballfield Private Reception Area and West Potomac Park Private Reception Area. Private receptions require a Special Events Permit and application processing fee.

 

QUICKLINKS

• 

  Permits

  Get more information about permits for special activities, First Amendment demonstrations, and commercial filming and photography.

• 

  Permit Office Contact Information

  Find contact information for the National Mall and Memorial Parks’ Division of Permits Management and neighboring parks.

• 

  Permit FAQs

  Check a list of frequently asked questions about permit and the permitting process to help you plan.