Superintendents Compendium

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS TITLE 36, CHAPTER I

VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMPENDIUM OF DESIGNATIONS, CLOSURES, REQUEST REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations ("36 CFR"), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following regulatory provisions are established for the proper management, protection, government and public use of those portions of Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1 and section 7.43. 36 CFR can be found at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/36cfrv1_05.html.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, are required by Section 1.5(c) and appear in this document in italicized print.

RECOMMENDED:

Chief Ranger, Rachel Davidson 03/04/2022

APPROVED:

Superintendent, Carrie Mardorf 03/04/2022
 

36 CFR §1.5 - Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, And Area Designations For Specific Use Or Activities


The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
 

Visiting Hours

8:30am- 4:30pm daily, all year.

Public restrooms open daily, 8:30 am – 4:30pm.                                                                              
Museum open Thurs to Sunday, 8:30 am – 4:30pm.

8:30am – 5:00pm daily for vehicle access.
(Entrance gate closes at 4:40pm)
Open sunrise - sunset for pedestrians.

Closed to vehicle traffic.

Closed to vehicle traffic.

8:00am – 5:00pm daily, all year

8:00am – 5:00pm daily, all year.

Indefinately closed to vehicle traffic; pedestrian access still available sunrise to sunset.

8:00am – 5:00pm daily, all year.

8:00am – 5:00pm daily, all year.

Open as staffing allows.

Closed due to construction.

Open by Appointment.
 
Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources.
 

Closures

The park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Determination: This closure allows all park employees the opportunity to enjoy these holidays with their families and friends.

The Superintendent may close any portion of the park and/or roadways to public access during prescribed fires, periods of ice, snow, or any other potentially hazardous conditions or emergencies. Roadways may be closed with gates, barricades, or other traffic control devices. Driving around or past these devices are prohibited.
 

Locations Closed to Public Access

All employee residences and their yards.

Determination: the residences are the private domiciles of the employees.

Determination: Maintenance yards can be dangerous and are closed for visitor safety.

Determination: Ranges are for law enforcement use only

Determination: Cairo Restoration Shop is for maintenance use only

Determination: the lower deck of the USS Cairo is closed to prevent vandalism to the boat.

Determination: These two roads are maintained for service vehicles only; use of the roads is not necessary to reach any public facilities or park features unless detours are in effect.

Areas of new construction and/or reconstruction and repair will be closed to the public.

Determination: This closure allows for protection of resources or for assurance of public safety during periods of unusual or unpredictable circumstance
 

Public Use Limits

The park is closed to swimming and bathing.

Determination: It is unsafe to swim or bathe in waters within the park due to water level issues and hazardous downed trees and limbs.

The park is closed to camping, except for approved living history encampments or for other groups whom may camp in conjunction with a park-sponsored activity.

Determination: Opportunities exist outside the park for camping. There are no designated campgrounds in the park. Infrastructure does not support campgrounds. Living history groups camp in the park during interpretive events and events supporting the administration of the park to further the park mission.

The park is closed to picnicking except in the areas designated for that purpose located on the grounds outside the USS Cairo Museum and the Rest Area located at visitor center parking lot, or at any location designed by the Superintendent as part of a special use permit.

Determination: Opportunities exist outside the park for this activity. The areas listed above provide a reasonable accommodation for those touring the park without interrupting their route. Outside of these approved areas, it would be inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values at hallowed battleground sites.

Pedestrian use of the park tour road is restricted to the lane designated by a painted white line. Pedestrians using the tour road in sections not delineated by a white line should walk single file, and as near to the side of the road as possible.

Determination: Pedestrian use of the tour road is appropriate for enjoying park resources. The above limitations are established to ensure the safety of recreationists, as well as that of the motoring public.

Motor vehicles may only stop or park in designated parking areas or in pull-outs along the roadway. No off-road operation or parking of motor vehicles is permitted.

Determination: Parking or driving off designated roadways or parking facilities can create opportunities for erosion and otherwise damage park resources.

All park trails and grounds are closed to off-road bicycling, equestrian use, and motorized recreation.

Determination: Soils throughout most of the park are highly erodible. The indicated uses could result in erosion that would damage natural or cultural resources.

The NPS has the responsibility to administer the licensed guide program at Vicksburg National Military Park in accordance with 36 CFR Part 25. Part 25.2 states “No person shall be permitted to offer his services or to act as a guide unless licensed for that purpose by the superintendent.” The term offering services is understood to mean in a commercial context. Therefore, the requirement to hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide for a historical tour of the battlefield at Vicksburg National Military Park is applicable only when such services are offered for a fee or in association with another commercial activity. All tours which are not commercial in nature, where park visitors are not paying either for participation in a tour or paying a tour guide (i.e. military staff rides, school groups, etc.) do not require the hiring of a Licensed Battlefield Guide.

Geocaching is prohibited throughout the park and National Cemetery except that virtual and Earthcaching is allowed.

Determination: The entire park consists of hallowed battleground and historically significant resources. Methods of stashing items such as digging, burying, covering and otherwise concealing items are sometimes used while geocaching, and are inappropriate within these areas.

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communications links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose including for recreation or commerce.Determination: Operation of unmanned aircraft has significant potential to create unreasonable noise and other intrusions that would adversely affect the experiences of visitors and the solemnity of the park. Careless operation of unmanned aircraft could result in collisions with park monuments, possibly causing damage to these historic resources.
 

The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:

Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery are closed to recreational and sporting activities including, but not limited to the following: pocket motorcycles, field games, flying model airplanes or operation of other radio controlled models, rocket launching, kite flying, throwing objects through the air (Frisbees, balls, etc.), skiing, sledding and similar winter activities, and sunbathing. Prohibited activities do not include walking, hiking, jogging, running, or on-road bicycling.

Determination: Ample opportunities exist outside the park for these activities. These types of activities are inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and interfere with the peace and tranquility of the landscape and are inconsistent with the reason the park was created.

Engines must be shut down when parked for a period of time more than five minutes.

Determination: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary noise and exhaust fumes to the air, thereby diminishing the peace and tranquility of the park and its enjoyment by visitors.

Section 5.2.A of the DOI COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan, Superintendents and building managers will require the 25% reduced occupancy standard or the six-foot physical distance reduced occupancy standard for indoor spaces.

  • Clay Street Visitor Center is limited to 28 people within the interior space.
  • USS Cairo Museum is limited to 28 people within the interior space.  The public restrooms in this location are open.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.  

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.  

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.  Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.  

Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.  

Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities. 

 

36 CFR §1.6 -Activities That Require A Permit


The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required: Information and applications to request a permit can be obtained at Vicksburg National Military Park during regular business hours, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Monday to Friday. Contact us at 601-636-0583 or via the internet at www.nps.gov/vick/permits or mail addressed to Superintendent, Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay Street Vicksburg, MS 39183.

  • Carry or possess weapon, trap or net. Firearms may be carried or possessed in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Other weapons as defined under 36 CFR 1.4 will require a permit

  • Specimen Collection (the taking of any plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals)

  • Camping and Food Storage

  • Audio Disturbances: Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.

  • Aircraft & Air Delivery: Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means.

  • Removal of a downed aircraft.

  • Noncommercial soliciting

  • Explosives: Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents

  • Use or possess fireworks

  • Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

  • Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views

    • Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park area.

    • Demonstrations involving more than 25 persons require a permit.

    • Per 36 CFR §12.4, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery.

  • Sale or distribution of printer matter that is not solely commercial advertising.

  • Livestock Use.

  • Erection of New Monuments (requires approval from Director of NPS)

  • Scattering of ashes from human cremation

  • Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight, and size limits.

  • Advertisements (Display, posting, or distribution).

  • Construction of buildings, facilities, roads, paths, structures, etc.

 

More Activities That Require A Permit

  • Permit participants are required to wear a mask as part of the terms and conditions of permits for events or activities that take place inside or in outdoor areas where physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot be reasonably maintained.

  • These terms and conditions include the same requirements about the proper fitting and type of masks that are included for all park visitors. 

  • If permit participants fail to wear masks as required in the above guidelines, it will serve as a violation of the terms and conditions of their permit, as prohibited under 36 CFR 1.5(f), and may result in the suspension or revocation of their permit or criminal penalties.

Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads.

(The Superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available).

Per 36 CFR § 12.4, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery. Permits are required for disinterment of remains, and for burials. Vicksburg National Cemetery is closed to new burials, except in the rare case of existing burial rights.

Per 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 25, the Superintendent of Vicksburg National Military Park is authorized to administer a Licensed Battlefield Guide program. All persons offering services or acting as a guide representing Vicksburg National Military Park will be licensed by the Superintendent. Requests for application to become a guide will be made in writing to the Superintendent.

  • The following types of filming activities may occur in areas open to the public without a permit and without advance notice to the NPS:
    • Outdoor filming activities [outside of areas managed as wilderness] involving five persons or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras.
  • The organizer of any other type of filming activity must provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity.
  • Based upon the information provided, the Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:
    • Maintain public health and safety;
    • Protect environmental or scenic values;
    • Protect natural or cultural resources;
    • Allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities; or
    • Avoid conflict among visitor use activities.
  • If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request.
  • The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity.
  • If the organizer provides the required 10 day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit.
  • The following are prohibited:
    • Engaging in a filming activity without providing advance notice to the Superintendent when required.
    • Engaging in a filming activity without a permit if [the activity takes place in areas managed as wilderness or if the Superintendent has notified the organizer in writing that a permit is required.
    • Violating a term and condition of a permit issued under this action.
  • Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.
  • Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography,
  • Still photographers require a permit only when:
    • The activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed.
    • The activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.
    • A park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.
  • The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits.
    • Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit.
    • This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permit.
  • In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:
    • 1 – 10 people - $50 a day.
    • 11 – 30 people - $150 a day.
    • Over 30 people - $250 a day.
 

36 CFR §2.4 - Weapons, Traps, Or Nets


Visitors may possess and carry firearms within Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances. The federal facilities for Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery are as follows:
  • Visitor Center
  • USS Cairo Museum
  • Pemberton’s Headquarters
  • Park Maintenance Facility
  • Old Superintendent’s Quarters
  • Curatorial Storage
  • Restoration Shop
  • Cemetery Maintenance Facility

Conditions for Weapons


The possession and use historic weapons necessary to support interpretive and educational demonstrations are permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the historic weapons will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations.
 

36 CFR §2.10 - Camping and Food Storage


The park is closed to camping except under conditions as identified in “closures” above.

36 CFR §2.11 – Picnicking


The park is closed to picnicking except in designated picnic areas at the visitor center, USS Cairo Museum, and Tour Stop 12. See “closures” above.

36 CFR §2.13 - Fires


Lighting or maintaining a fire within Vicksburg National Military Park is prohibited except:
  • Small campfires contained within well-defined fire circles as part of an overnight living history encampment (with permit from the Superintendent).
  • Barbeque fires contained within an appropriate grilling device in a park housing area.
  • Prescribed fires for management of resources as authorized by an approved burn plan.
Determination: Limitations on the use of fire are necessary to prevent adverse impacts to resources, as well as to prevent fire from escaping to adjoining lands and residential areas
 

36 CFR §2.15 - Pets

Pets are allowed within the park, including on park trails, as long as they are physically restrained by a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Electronic shock collars do not meet the requirements for physical restraint of a pet as required by 36 CFR § 2.15. The following additional restrictions apply:

  • All animal waste must be removed no matter the location (road, paths, trail, open field, or around buildings). Visitors bringing pets to the park must carry on their person a bag or other device for the containerization and removal of excrement.

Visitors shall immediately containerize and remove pet excrement by depositing it in a trash receptacle or by otherwise taking the excrement from the park.

  • Pets are NOT allowed in park residences occupied by seasonal and term employees or interns of the park. The only exception to this is the use of a Service Animal. The Superintendent has the discretion to lodge an employee in their own, separate housing if they do require a Service Animal that may be disruptive to others living in the same park residence.

Determination: Limitations on pets within the park are necessary to ensure a positive visitor experience for all, as well as to prevent possible resource damage that could be created by uncontrolled pets

 

Service Animals

Service animals are not subject to the park’s pet policies and are allowed wherever visitors are allowed.

A service animal means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

  • The task(s) performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.

 

NPS staff may require an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from a facility, service, program, or activity if the animal is not housebroken or is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.

  • If a service animal must be removed, the visitor is allowed to participate in the service, program, or activity without the animal.

Determination: Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

 

36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking


Smoking is prohibited in and around all buildings within Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery. This includes interior sections of monuments and memorials, as well as the USS Cairo. Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance or exit primarily accessed by the visiting public or any access where smoking would result in smoke traveling through doorways, windows, air ducts or other openings. Departmental Manual 2, Section 3 310, Chapter 11, Director’s Order #50D: 4 Smoking Policy.

36 CFR §2.35 -Alcohlic Beverages and Controlled Substances


The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:All areas of Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery except:

  • Park residences

  • Park Sponsored events

  • Other areas when included as a provision of a special use permit issued by the Superintendent

Determination: Because of the prevalence of bluffs, cliffs, steep slopes, and other natural hazards in the park, consumption of alcohol can create a concern for visitor safety. In addition, consumption of alcohol is inappropriate. As such, consumption could interfere with visitors' appreciation of the historic scene and resources.

36 CFR §2.38 – Explosives


Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials are prohibited. Using or possessing fireworks is prohibited.

Conditions for Explosives

The possession and use of small quantities of black powder necessary to support park permitted historic weapons demonstrations is permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the black powder will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations.

Determination: Fireworks can intrude upon the park's contemplative visitor experience, create a safety concern, and possibly start unwanted wildfires. Black powder and other explosives are similarly dangerous, unless used under carefully controlled and supervised settings such as a historic weapons demonstration.

36 CFR § 2.51 - Demonstrations


Demonstrations are allowed within park areas designated for demonstrations when the Superintendent has issued a permit for the activity. Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within the designated park areas noted below. Demonstrations involving more than 25 persons always require a permit, from the Chief Ranger’s office. Per federal law, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery.

The following areas are designated for demonstration purposes:

  • The area immediately adjacent to the visitor center and north of the park tour road. Demonstrators must stay off the earthworks.

  • The lawn area south of the tour road, west of the entrance drive, and north of a line approximately 25 feet north of, and parallel to Clay Street.

  • The lawn area in the triangle formed between the tour road, the USS Cairo Museum parking lot, and the walkway from the parking lot to the USS Cairo Museum.

36 CFR §2.62- Memorialization


A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains. New monuments may be erected within Vicksburg National Military Park with authorization of the Director of the National Park Service.

36 CFR §3.21 - Swimming and Bathing


The entire park is closed to swimming and bathing.

Determination: It is unsafe to swim or bathe in waters within the park due to water level issues and hazardous downed trees and limbs.

36 CFR §4.11 - Vehicle Load, Weight And Size Limits


The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:

  • No vehicle in excess of 14 feet in height, 50 feet in length, or 60,000 pounds gross vehicle weight is allowed on any park roads.

  • No vehicle in excess of 25 feet in length is allowed in the National Cemetery.

  • No vehicle in excess of 25 feet in length is allowed on Sherman Avenue.


Determination
: The stated limits are necessary because of low clearances, sharp curves, and bridge capacity along the park tour road.

36 CFR §4.21 - Speed Limits


The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

  • Tour Road - 25 mph.

  • Parking lots and Service Roads - 15 mph.

  • National Cemetery Road - 15 mph.

  • All speed limits apply to bicycles.


Determination
: Speed limits are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable visitor experience

36 CFR §4.30 - Bicycles


The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads and parking lots. Bicyclists using the tour road must ride in the direction of traffic flow. No bicycle shall be operated off established roadways. Bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks, monuments, or the Thayer's Approach Tunnel. Bicycles must be walked on sidewalks and must not be left unattended on a sidewalk.

Electronic Bicycles

  • The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).

  • E-bikes are allowed in Vicksburg National Military Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.

  • A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).

  • Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Vicksburg National Military Park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

Determination: Bicycle use of the tour road is appropriate for enjoying park resources. The above limitations are established to ensure the safety of recreationists, as well as that of the motoring public.


36 CFR §5.5 Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

See “Permits”

36 CFR §12.4 Special Events And Demonstrations In National Cemetery

  • Conducting a special event or demonstration, whether spontaneous or organized, is prohibited except for official commemorative events conducted for Memorial Day, Veterans Day and other dates designated by the superintendent as having special historic and commemorative significance to a particular national cemetery. Committal services are excluded from this restriction.

In addition to events conducted for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the following dates are designated as dates of special historic significance to the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Events conducted in commemoration of those dates are permitted:

  • Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May)
  • Flag Day, June 14th
  • Battle Anniversary, July 1st-3rd
  • Independence Day, July 4th
  • National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Third Friday in September)
  • National Cemetery Dedication Day, November 19th
  • Remembrance Day, Closest Saturday in November to Dedication Day
  • Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th

12.10 Floral and Commemorative Tributes
The placing of wreaths and floral items is subject to the following restrictions:

  • Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time.
  • Coins and other metal objects are not permitted to be placed on headstones or monuments; these objects can cause staining of the stone surfaces.
  • Artificial flowers and potted plants shall be permitted on graves 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
  • During the Christmas season, Christmas wreaths, floral grave blankets and other floral arrangements shall be permitted commencing December 1 and allowed to remain on the grave through January 20 of each year. Grave floral blankets shall not be larger in size than two by three feet (2' x 3').
  • Permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, balloon displays, breakable objects of any kind, and similar commemorative items are not permitted on graves at any time. These and other hazardous objects shall be removed by cemetery personnel whenever found on a grave.
  • Floral items and other types of decorations shall not be secured or attached to the headstone or commemorative monument.

Last updated: May 30, 2023

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3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183

Phone:

601 636-0583

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