The Number of Soldiers Buried in Arlington: A Memorial to the Brave
The United States military has a long and storied history, with thousands of men and women sacrificing their lives in defense of their country. Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, is the final resting place for many of these heroes. In this article, we’ll explore the question: how many soldiers are buried in Arlington?
The First Direct Answer
According to the official Arlington National Cemetery website, as of 2022, there are approximately 414,000 soldiers, veterans, and their dependents buried in the cemetery. This number has been steadily growing since the cemetery’s inception in 1864, with the addition of over 200 burials every day.
A Brief History of Arlington National Cemetery
Before delving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the cemetery’s rich history. Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864, when the US government seized a 200-acre property owned by the Custis-Lee family, a descendant of Martha Washington, to bury Union soldiers who died during the Civil War.
Cemetery Expansions
Over the years, the cemetery has expanded to its current 622-acre site, which is situated adjacent to the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Department of Defense. The cemetery has expanded five times since its original establishment:
- 1871: The cemetery expanded to 12 acres.
- 1908: The cemetery expanded to 62 acres.
- 1927: The cemetery expanded to 178 acres.
- 1931: The cemetery expanded to 221 acres.
- 1996: The cemetery expanded to its current 622 acres.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
The cemetery is divided into various sections, each dedicated to specific branches of the military, military conflicts, and other specialized groups. Here’s a breakdown of the sections and the number of burials in each:
| Section | Number of Burials |
|---|---|
| Confederate Section | 847 |
| Mexican War Veterans Section | 2 |
| Spanish-American War Section | 25 |
| World War I Section | 18,000 |
| World War II Section | 82,000 |
| Korean War Section | 34,000 |
| Vietnam War Section | 40,000 |
| POW/MIA Section | 600 |
| Medal of Honor Recipients Section | 360 |
| Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery Section | 20,000 |
| African American Soldiers Section | 5,000 |
Notable Burials
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 is buried in Section 45.
- Audie Murphy: A highly decorated World War II veteran and actor, Murphy is buried in Section 36.
- Billy Mitchell: A Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in World War II, Mitchell is buried in Section 34.
- Desmond Doss: A Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the Korean War, Doss is buried in Section 12.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for approximately 414,000 soldiers, veterans, and their dependents. With its rich history and ongoing expansion, the cemetery remains a vital tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country. The sheer number of burials is a sobering reminder of the bravery and dedication of the men and women who have served in the United States military.
