18 U.S. Code § 1369 - Destruction of veterans’ memorials

(a)Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection (b), willfully injures or destroys, or attempts to injure or destroy, any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the United States shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

(b)A circumstance described in this subsection is that—
(1)in committing the offense described in subsection (a), the defendant travels or causes another to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or uses the mail or an instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce; or
(2)the structure, plaque, statue, or other monument described in subsection (a) is located on property owned by, or under the jurisdiction of, the Federal Government.



Visitor Tips and Cemetery Etiquette

More than three million people visit Arlington National Cemetery each year. Many come to pay respects at graveside services, or to visit a loved one's final resting place. Please remember that Arlington is an active cemetery — a place of honor, grieving and reflection. We ask that visitors abide by the following guidelines.

• Speak quietly and use headphones if you are listening to something, so that your experience does not distract or disturb other visitors.

• Enjoy the space appropriately. We encourage you to explore the cemetery (you may walk on the grass to find a grave) and attend a public ceremony. However, activities such as running, climbing, bicycling, playing sports or picnicking are not allowed.

• Leave your pets at home. Only approved service animals and military working dogs are permitted.

• Respect the property. Do not damage or sit on monuments, gravestones, plants or other property. They are historic features of this sacred site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Respect funeral services by staying at a distance. If you encounter a funeral procession, please step aside and wait for the procession to pass. If your exploration of the cemetery brings you near a funeral service, please move along to an area that is not the site of active mourning.

• Show respect to the flag. When a flag is used in a ceremony or service, or when a bugler sounds Taps, civilians should place their right hand over their heart. Military service members and veterans may salute.

• Drink water. Food and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. The cemetery grounds are vast, and the weather is often hot during the summer; stay hydrated! You may bring bottled water or purchase it at the Welcome Center, and our ANC Explorer mobile app will help you locate water fountains throughout the cemetery. Do not drink from spigots, as they do not contain potable water.





In many cases it is against the law to deface or desecrate grave sites or human remains. These include removing gravestones, leaving trash, disturbing, or tampering with a gravesite. People are also not allowed to open any repository of human remains or cover over or destroy. In many cases these are felonies. [Wikipedia}

Just another one on the growing list.