The Department of Veterans Affairs will conduct ceremonies at more than 120 VA national cemeteries this weekend in observance of Memorial Day. All VA national cemeteries will be open to the public, offering free events that include wreath-laying ceremonies, commemorative speeches, and other activities to honor those who died in military service.
VA Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown stated, "This Memorial Day weekend, we invite Americans to join us at a VA national cemetery to honor those who died in defense of our nation. Together, we will ensure the legacies of these brave heroes live on for generations."
Arlington National Cemetery will host events throughout the weekend for the 158th National Memorial Day Observance. This year’s observance follows the deaths of 14 U.S. service members during the U.S. war in Iran, including six killed in an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait, one in a similar attack in Saudi Arabia, and six others in a refueling accident not related to hostile fire. Additionally, one service member died from a medical emergency.
Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed gratitude for the 39 members of the joint force who have died in operations, combat, and training during his tenure, specifically mentioning the 14 who died in Operation Epic Fury.
Earlier this month, two service members also died during a joint training exercise in Morocco called African Lion 2026. The two soldiers were last seen near ocean cliffs in the Cap Draa Training Area.
As of 2026, 280 active duty service members have died, according to the Defense Casualty Analysis System. Of these, seven were classified as resulting from hostile action by Iran, while others died in accidents, from self-inflicted injuries, illnesses, or homicides.
