How Many Soldiers are Buried in Arlington?
Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington County, Virginia, is the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women who have died in service to their country. Established in 1864 during the American Civil War, the cemetery has been the site of numerous burials and ceremonies honoring the nation’s fallen heroes.
The Initial Burials
The cemetery’s first burials date back to May 1864, when the site was used as a burial ground for Union soldiers killed during the Civil War. Over 16,000 Union soldiers are buried in the cemetery’s original section, known as the "Old Section." Many of these graves are unmarked, as the families of the deceased were unable to afford headstones.
Contents
Numbers and Statistics
According to the United States Army Military District of Washington, which is responsible for managing the cemetery, approximately 400,000 burials have taken place at Arlington National Cemetery since its establishment. This number includes:
• Over 30,000 Confederate soldiers, who were reinterred in the cemetery during the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Around 200,000 World War I and World War II veterans
• Over 45,000 Korean War veterans
• Over 91,000 Vietnam War veterans
• Over 7,000 casualties from the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War
• Over 245,000 other service members, including those from the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and other conflicts
The Cemetery’s Layout
Arlington National Cemetery is divided into several sections, each with its own unique characteristics and significance. Some of the most notable sections include:
• The Old Section: The original burial ground, containing the graves of Union soldiers from the Civil War.
• Section 60: The area where most of the Vietnam War’s fallen soldiers are buried.
• Section 31: The burial site for many of the World War II and Korean War’s fallen soldiers.
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A memorial honoring the unidentified remains of American service members who have died in combat.
Notable Burials
In addition to the hundreds of thousands of unknown soldiers and veterans, Arlington National Cemetery is also the final resting place for many notable figures, including:
• President John F. Kennedy: The 35th President of the United States, who was assassinated in 1963, is buried in a ceremonial grave at the cemetery.
• The Unknown Soldier: The cemetery is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the remains of an unidentified American service member from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are buried.
• The USS Maine Crew: The remains of the crew members who died when the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898 are buried in the cemetery.
• The victims of the Pentagon Attack: The 184 people killed in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon are buried in the cemetery.
Conservation Efforts
Despite the sheer number of burials and visitors to the cemetery each year, Arlington National Cemetery is committed to preserving its historic and cultural significance. Some of the conservation efforts include:
• Preservation of Headstones: The cemetery’s staff works tirelessly to ensure that each grave is marked with a dignified headstone, ensuring that the memory of those buried there is respected and honored.
• Conservation of Historic Landmarks: The cemetery is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the USS Maine Memorial, which are carefully preserved and maintained to ensure their integrity for future generations.
• Environmental Sustainability: The cemetery is committed to reducing its environmental impact through sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing waste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arlington National Cemetery is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members throughout history. With over 400,000 burials, the cemetery is a somber and reflective place that honors the memories of those who have given their lives in service to their country. As we continue to honor and remember those buried at Arlington, we also recognize the importance of preserving this sacred place for generations to come.
