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Thousands of volunteers are expected at Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., for the annual Wreaths Out event on Saturday, Jan. 11.

Beginning at 8 a.m., visitors will help remove approximately 257,000 wreaths from Arlington and another 14,000 from Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery.

Large crowds, road closures and heavy traffic could cause delays near Arlington National Cemetery and its entrances. Organizers recommend traveling by public transportation or rideshare. The designated rideshare drop-off point is beside the Arlington Cemetery Metro station on Memorial Avenue.

Visitors may enter through the Memorial Avenue Welcome Center, Ord and Weitzel Gate near the Marine Corps War Memorial, or Service Complex Gate near the Air Force Memorial. Defense Department cardholders may also use the Old Post Chapel Gate.

Vehicles will not be allowed on cemetery grounds until normal operations resume. The Welcome Center Parking Garage will open at 8 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitor tram service will not operate during the event, while the gravesite shuttle will resume after regular operations return.

All visitors must complete security screening. Prohibited items include large bags and backpacks, weapons, firearms, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, coolers, picnic baskets, tripods, lighters, screwdrivers and similar tools, air horns, personal-protection sprays and insulated beverage containers. Clear plastic water bottles are allowed.

Volunteers should remove only Wreaths Across America wreaths and leave all other decorations in place. Removed wreaths must be placed inside dumpsters stationed throughout the cemetery. If one is full, volunteers should carry wreaths to another dumpster rather than leaving them on the ground.

Vehicles and heavy equipment have the right of way, and visitors must follow staff directions. Volunteers may bring PVC pipe, rope or broomsticks to help transport multiple wreaths, but sharp metal objects are prohibited. Warm clothing, work gloves and other suitable gear are encouraged.