Directions to Cemetery

Parking this year will again be OUTSIDE of the Cemetery on the Davis Highway. Unfortunately, some guests last year missed the Ceremony because of the distance they had to walk. Please arrive extra early to give yourself time to get onto the Base, park and walk to the Cemetery Flagpole before the Ceremony starts!

Those attending the Ceremony should enter through the Richardson Gate, proceed to the SECOND Traffic Circle and take the first exit (to the right) onto 6th Street. Follow 6th to the end and turn right onto the Davis Highway. Follow Davis Highway approximately 9/10 of a mile. The Cemetery is on the Left. You will be directed where to park by Volunteers.

For those without a Valid Base Access ID:

Normally, those who don't have a valid Base Access ID are required to go to the Visitor Control Center at the Boniface Gate to gain access to the Base. In order to avoid this on the day of the Ceremony, the 673d Security Forces Squadron will operate a dedicated preregistration call-in number on December 11th, 12th and 13th to simplify access to the Base for this Ceremony. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS REGISTERING ON THE WAA WEBSITE AS A VOLUNTEER.

Registration by phone with Base Security will allow event attendees to enter through the Richardson Gate without having to go to the Visitor Control Center at the Boniface Gate. Those registering must provide the following personal information for a criminal background check:

Full name, Date of Birth, Driver's License Number or state issued ID, and issuing State

Callers will be told during the call if they passed the background check. Those who pass will be added to a list of Registered Patrons posted at the Richardson Gate. On Event Day, Registered Patrons can show their ID at the Richardson Gate to be compared to this list for access to the base. Please be courteous and patient with members of the Base Security Force. They’re Heroes too!

FOR A VEHICLE TO ENTER WITHOUT GOING TO THE VISITOR CONTROL CENTER, All PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE MUST:

a) Have a Valid Base Access ID, or
b) Be on the Registered Patrons List or
c) Be Under the Age of 16

NOTE: Preregistration is for access directly to and from the National Cemetery.  Persons found outside of those areas may be charged with trespassing.
 
Date of Event: December 14, 2024 (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony)
Dates of early registration services:  13/14/15 December
December 11th, 12th, 13th Hours of Operation: 8:00-11:00 AM and 12:00-4:00PM
Call-In Number: 907-552-6910

Parking Instructions

We have a another record number of volunteers this year!

Unfortunately, parking on the Cemetery Grounds must be limited to the Members of the Ceremony, News Media and Event Staff. All others will be asked to park on the Davis Highway, which will be closed for your safety between the Cemetery Entrance and Ruff Road. Volunteers will direct you where to park when you arrive.

Vehicles with elderly or disabled guests will be admitted to the Cemetery for drop off only, and will be asked to exit the Cemetery Grounds after dropping off their guests. They are then welcome to park on the Davis Highway near the Cemetery.

Ceremony and Volunteer Information

We are happy that you are willing to help with our Wreath Across America ceremony at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Please do not forget to register to volunteer! That way you will get all updates about the cemetery itself.

PLEASE SEE THE DIRECTIONS TO CEMETERY TAB FOR  INFORMATION ABOUT NEW BASE ACCESS PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES ON WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY

Here are some things to remember about the ceremony:

• Everyone of all ages and backgrounds is welcome.
• Please help ensure that all participants get the opportunity to place a wreath.
• Please follow the location coordinators instructions on where to place wreaths, as well as "how" they should be placed.
• We especially appreciate volunteers willing to help clean-up. Please check in with the location coordinator if you are interested in helping with the clean-up.

The most important thing to remember is to have a wonderful experience participating in the ceremony and thank you so much for help Wreaths achieve our mission to remember, honor and teach.