Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most revered places in the United States, serving as the final resting place for countless men and women who have served their country. The cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., is a symbol of national pride and a testament to the sacrifices made by those who have defended the nation. For many veterans and their families, being buried at Arlington National Cemetery is a great honor, but it also comes with certain costs and eligibility requirements. In this article, we will delve into the details of how much it costs to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as the eligibility criteria and the benefits that come with this distinguished honor.
Eligibility for Burial at Arlington National Cemetery
To be eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, an individual must meet certain criteria set by the Department of the Army. These criteria include being a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who died on active duty, or a veteran who was honorably discharged. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans are also eligible for burial at Arlington, as are certain other family members under specific circumstances. The eligibility requirements are strict and are designed to ensure that only those who have made significant sacrifices for their country are laid to rest in this sacred place.
Categories of Eligibility
There are several categories of eligibility for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. These include:
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died on active duty
- Veterans who were honorably discharged
- Reservists and National Guard members who died while on duty or while performing authorized training
- Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans
- Certain other family members, such as unmarried adult children with disabilities, and parents of service members who dies as a result of combat wounds
Documentation and Application Process
To apply for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, families or next of kin must provide specific documentation, including the veteran’s DD Form 214 (discharge papers) and a copy of the death certificate. The application process typically begins with contacting a funeral home or the cemetery directly to initiate the request. The funeral home or cemetery will guide the family through the necessary steps, which may include submitting paperwork to the Arlington National Cemetery’s Eligibility Branch for review. It’s essential to note that due to the high volume of requests, the process can take some time, and families are advised to plan accordingly.
Costs Associated with Burial at Arlington National Cemetery
The actual cost of being buried at Arlington National Cemetery is borne by the U.S. government. There are no charges for the grave, vault, headstone, or perpetual care for eligible individuals. However, families may incur costs for other aspects of the funeral service, such as transportation of the body to the cemetery, preparation of the body, and the funeral ceremony itself. These costs are typically paid for by the family or covered by the veteran’s life insurance or other death benefits.
Funeral Honors and Ceremonies
Arlington National Cemetery offers full military funeral honors for eligible service members, which include a casket team, firing party, and bugler. These honors are provided by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and are a significant part of the burial ceremony at Arlington. Families may also choose to add personal touches to the ceremony, such as a eulogy or the release of doves, though these elements are typically arranged and paid for by the family.
Grave Markers and Headstones
The U.S. government provides a headstone or marker for the graves of eligible individuals buried at Arlington National Cemetery. These headstones are uniform and are intended to honor the service and sacrifice of the individual buried. Families may also place a private headstone or monument, provided it meets certain specifications and is approved by the cemetery administration.
Special Considerations and Benefits
Burial at Arlington National Cemetery comes with a range of benefits and considerations. These include the prestige and honor of being buried in a national cemetery, as well as the knowledge that the gravesite will be maintained and cared for by the U.S. government in perpetuity. Families of the deceased may also be eligible for certain benefits, such as burial allowances, death gratuities, and life insurance payouts, depending on the circumstances of the service member’s death.
Arlington National Cemetery’s Operations and Maintenance
Arlington National Cemetery is operated and maintained by the U.S. Army. The cemetery is open to the public for visitation and conducts burials Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a popular attraction and is conducted every 30 minutes during the summer months and every hour during the winter months. The cemetery also hosts numerous memorial services and ceremonies throughout the year, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.
Historical Significance and Visitor Information
Arlington National Cemetery is not only a place of honor for the nation’s fallen but also a historical site and a place of remembrance. Visitors to the cemetery can explore the President John F. Kennedy gravesite, the USS Maine Memorial, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, among other notable landmarks. The Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center provides information and assistance to visitors, including maps, brochures, and guided tours.
In conclusion, while there are no direct costs to the family for the burial itself at Arlington National Cemetery, being laid to rest in this revered place is an honor that comes with specific eligibility requirements and certain indirect expenses for funeral services and other arrangements. For those who have served their country and their families, Arlington National Cemetery stands as a testament to their sacrifice and service, a place where they can be remembered and honored for generations to come.
What is the eligibility criteria for burial at Arlington National Cemetery?
To be eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, an individual must meet specific criteria. This includes being a member of the US Armed Forces who died on active duty, or a veteran with an honorable discharge, or a member of the Reserve components who died under circumstances that would qualify them for an honorable discharge. Additionally, any member of the US Armed Forces who served in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart is also eligible, regardless of the circumstances of their death. Spouses and minor children of eligible service members may also be buried at Arlington.
The eligibility criteria also extend to certain government officials, including the President and Vice President of the United States, as well as Supreme Court justices, members of Congress, and high-ranking military officers. Furthermore, any person who has been awarded the Medal of Honor is eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, regardless of their military status. The cemetery’s administration works closely with the Department of Defense and other government agencies to verify the eligibility of potential burial candidates. The eligibility criteria are subject to change, and the cemetery’s administration provides detailed information on the current requirements for those interested in burial at Arlington.
How do I apply for burial at Arlington National Cemetery?
Applying for burial at Arlington National Cemetery involves several steps. The process typically begins with a call to the cemetery’s customer service center, where staff will guide the family or next of kin through the application process. The cemetery requires various documents, including the deceased’s military discharge papers, proof of marriage for spouses, and birth certificates for minor children. Families may also need to provide other supporting documents, such as the deceased’s Social Security number and any relevant medical records.
Once the application is submitted, the cemetery’s staff reviews the documentation to verify eligibility. If the applicant is deemed eligible, the cemetery will then schedule a gravesite and provide information on the internship and memorialization options. Families may choose from various services, including full military honors, which include a flag-draped casket, a bugler playing “Taps,” and a firing party. The cemetery also offers a variety of memorialization options, including headstones, niche markers, and memorial plaques. Throughout the process, the cemetery’s staff provides support and guidance to ensure a dignified and meaningful burial experience for the deceased and their loved ones.
What are the costs associated with burial at Arlington National Cemetery?
There are no costs associated with burial at Arlington National Cemetery for eligible service members and their families. The cemetery provides all burial services, including gravesite preparation, internment, and memorialization, free of charge. This includes the provision of a headstone or marker, as well as any necessary maintenance and upkeep of the gravesite. The cemetery also provides military honors, including a flag-draped casket and a firing party, at no cost to the family.
However, families may incur costs for certain optional services, such as funeral home expenses, transportation to the cemetery, and flowers or other memorial tributes. Additionally, families may choose to purchase a private headstone or marker, rather than the standard government-provided marker, which would require a separate payment. The cemetery’s staff provides detailed information on the available options and any associated costs, ensuring that families can make informed decisions about their loved one’s burial and memorialization.
Can I reserve a gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery in advance?
Reserving a gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery in advance is not possible. The cemetery operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with gravesites assigned at the time of burial. However, families can express their preference for a particular section or area of the cemetery, and the cemetery’s staff will make every effort to accommodate these requests. It’s worth noting that the cemetery has a limited number of gravesites available, and the wait time for burial can vary depending on the circumstances.
The cemetery’s administration prioritizes burials based on the eligibility criteria, with those who died on active duty or as a result of combat injuries typically receiving priority. The cemetery also prioritizes burials for those who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, as well as for certain government officials and high-ranking military officers. Families who have expressed a preference for a particular section or area of the cemetery will be notified as soon as possible regarding the availability of gravesites and the scheduling of the burial.
How long does the burial process take at Arlington National Cemetery?
The burial process at Arlington National Cemetery typically takes several days to several weeks, depending on the circumstances of the death and the eligibility of the deceased. In cases where the deceased died on active duty or as a result of combat injuries, the burial process may be expedited, with burial taking place within a few days. For other eligible service members, the wait time for burial may be longer, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.
The cemetery’s staff works closely with the family and next of kin to schedule the burial and ensure that all necessary arrangements are made. This includes coordinating with funeral homes, transportation providers, and other stakeholders to ensure a dignified and respectful burial experience. The cemetery’s administration also provides regular updates to families on the status of the burial and any other relevant information, ensuring that they are informed and supported throughout the process.
Can I visit a loved one’s gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery?
Visiting a loved one’s gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery is possible, and the cemetery welcomes visitors from around the world. The cemetery is open daily, with hours varying depending on the time of year. Visitors can access the cemetery on foot or by vehicle, and there are several parking areas and shuttle buses available to transport visitors to different areas of the cemetery. The cemetery also offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, water fountains, and a visitor center, where staff can provide information and assistance.
The cemetery’s staff is also available to provide support and guidance to visitors, including helping to locate gravesites and providing information on the cemetery’s history and operations. Visitors are asked to respect the dignity and solemnity of the cemetery, and to follow all rules and regulations, including those regarding photography, flowers, and other tributes. The cemetery also offers a variety of special events and ceremonies throughout the year, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day services, which are open to the public and provide a meaningful way to honor the nation’s fallen heroes.
How is Arlington National Cemetery maintained and preserved?
Arlington National Cemetery is maintained and preserved by a team of dedicated professionals, including groundskeepers, historians, and administrators. The cemetery’s staff works tirelessly to ensure that the gravesites and memorials are kept in a state of dignity and respect, with regular maintenance and upkeep performed to maintain the cemetery’s beauty and integrity. The cemetery is also protected by a variety of laws and regulations, including those related to historic preservation and environmental protection.
The cemetery’s administration also works closely with other government agencies, including the National Park Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to ensure that the cemetery is preserved for future generations. This includes ongoing efforts to restore and rehabilitate historic buildings and landscapes, as well as to protect the cemetery’s natural and cultural resources. The cemetery’s staff is committed to honoring the nation’s fallen heroes and providing a meaningful and respectful burial experience for their families, while also preserving the cemetery’s rich history and significance for the benefit of the American people.