Special Laws and Regulations that Govern National Cemeteries Managed by the National Park Service

Reference Manual (RM) 61, 3.2.5 B. Commercial Filming and Photography

A written permit from the superintendent is required for all commercial filming in national cemeteries (NPS Management Policies 2006, section 8.6.6.2). Commercial filming means filming that involves the digital or film recording of a visual image or sound recording by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience. This includes recordings such as those used for a documentary, television or feature film, advertisement, or similar project (NPS Management Policies 2006, section 8.6.6.2).

36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 12.4 Special Events and Demonstrations

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.

36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 12.3 Definitions

Demonstration means a demonstration, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding a vigil or religious service, or any other like form of conduct that involves the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers. This term does not include casual park use by persons that is not reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.

First Amendment Areas

The park has designated several First Amendment areas which can be used by less than 25 people without a sound amplification device and during park hours without any permit required. See below for a map of the First Amendment areas.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities are considered a special event in the Gettysburg National Cemetery?

Celebrations, historical reenactments, parades, and similar activities are considered special events. While the name or characterization of an activity may be helpful in determining whether a proposed activity is a special event, the answer to this question depends upon whether the activity is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers. The use of amplification, props, structures, stages, or the use of the rostrum, creates a presumption that an activity is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers. Please talk through your event with our permit coordinator to find out if a proposed activity is appropriate in the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

How is a demonstration different from a special event?

An activity is considered a demonstration if its primary purpose (1) involves communication or expression of views or grievances; and (2) the activity is likely to attract a crowd or onlookers. The National Park Service (NPS) does not consider the content of any communication or expression when making this determination.

Can I host a special event or demonstration in the Gettysburg National Cemetery?

Conducting a special event, 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. Conducting a demonstration is prohibited in the Gettysburg National Cemetery without exception.

What dates are designated as having special historic and commemorative significance in Gettysburg National Cemetery?

• Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May

• Memorial Day, last Monday of May

• Flag Day, June 14

• Battle Anniversary, July 1 to 3

• Independence Day, July 4

• National POW/MIA Recognition Day, third Friday in September

• Veterans Day, November 11

• National Cemetery Dedication Day, November 19

• Remembrance Day, closest Saturday in November to Dedication Day

• Pearl Harbor Day, December 7

Are there other criteria that will determine whether a special event in the Gettysburg National Cemetery will be approved?

Yes. Special events in the national cemetery must be sponsored or co-sponsored by the NPS. Sponsorship and co-sponsorship by the NPS can take several forms, including planning, publicizing, hosting, financing, or providing in-kind support for an event. Superintendents may not sponsor or co-sponsor an event that is not consistent with applicable legislation, or not compatible with maintaining the solemn atmosphere of the national cemetery, even if proposed on one of the dates listed above.

Are there alternate locations adjacent to or near Gettysburg National Cemetery where I can conduct a special event or demonstration?

Yes. There are multiple locations in the park where a special event may be held including near the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Please contact our permit coordinator to identify appropriate alternate locations that meet your specific need. Demonstrations are generally limited to designated First Amendment areas in the park. Two of these are located near the Gettysburg National Cemetery. See below for a map of the First Amendment areas.

What type of flag may be placed at gravesites?

Only small, consistently sized United States flags may be placed at gravesites in the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Any flags other than the United States flag will be removed by park staff and held in an inconspicuous holding area for retrieval by the owners for a period of 60 days prior to disposal.

Can my organization place flags only at Civil War gravesites or other subset of gravesites?

No. Mass flag placement falls under special event guidelines and requires flags to be placed at each grave in the cemetery. While the thought of placing flags at all 6,000+ graves may be daunting, please contact our permit coordinator about the potential of NPS co-sponsorship on dates having special historic and commemorative significance by providing NPS owned flags.

My ancestor is buried at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. When my family visits may we place a small United States flag at their gravesite?

Yes. A family member visiting the grave of a loved one buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery and leaving a commemorative tribute, such as a flag, is considered casual park use and not a special event. These tributes left by family members at individual graves will be respected and removed as staff is available.

Are wreaths allowed to be placed at gravesites in the Gettysburg National Cemetery during the holiday season?

The public is welcome to honor the fallen during the holiday season by placing wreaths, floral grave blankets, and other floral arrangements at graves beginning on December 1. These items are allowed to remain in place through January 20 of each year. If an activity to place wreaths also includes other elements, such as ceremonies, speeches, or organized gatherings, then it may be considered a special event and subject to the restrictions listed above such as being limited to certain dates.

Are flowers and other commemorative tributes allowed to be placed at gravesites in the Gettysburg National Cemetery?

Yes. The types of floral and other commemorative tributes that are permitted in the Gettysburg National Cemetery, conditions of placement, and policy on removal can be found in the Superintendents Compendium located at: https://www.nps.gov/gett/learn/management/superintendents-compendium.htm

Who can I contact about hosting an event in the Gettysburg National Cemetery?

Please email park permit coordinator, Pam Neil. Questions regarding the National Cemetery regulations can be directed to the park at e-mail us.

Who do I contact about the internment of a loved one at the Gettysburg National Cemetery?

Gettysburg National Cemetery is closed to burials. Only those with spaces already reserved may be buried there. Please email Randall Hill.

 

First Amendment areas at Gettysburg National Military Park.

NPS Map