Are Veterans Buried Standing Up?
Direct Answer: No, Veterans Are Not Buried Standing Up
The notion that veterans are buried standing up is a common myth that has been circulating for years. This myth likely originated from the fact that many veterans, particularly those who served in World War I and World War II, were buried in graves with their heads facing east, towards the rising sun. However, this does not mean that they were buried standing up.
Why Were Veterans Buried with Their Heads Facing East?
There are several reasons why veterans were buried with their heads facing east. One reason is that many of these soldiers were buried in temporary cemeteries or mass graves, where there was no time or resources to properly mark the graves. In these cases, the graves were often marked with a simple wooden cross or a stone marker, and the heads were facing east as a way to symbolize the direction of the rising sun.
Another reason is that many veterans were buried in cemeteries that were designed to reflect the religious beliefs of the time. In many Christian traditions, the east is considered the direction of the resurrection, and many cemeteries were designed with this in mind. By burying the dead with their heads facing east, it was believed that they would be facing the direction of their ultimate resurrection.
Other Reasons Why Veterans Were Buried with Their Heads Facing East
There are several other reasons why veterans were buried with their heads facing east. Some of these reasons include:
- Military tradition: In some military traditions, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and it is customary to bury the head facing east as a sign of respect.
- Geographic considerations: In some cases, the terrain or landscape may have dictated the direction in which the graves were buried. For example, in areas with high winds or heavy rainfall, it may have been more practical to bury the graves with the heads facing east to prevent erosion or damage to the headstones.
- Personal preference: In some cases, the decision to bury the head facing east may have been made at the request of the deceased or their family members.
Debunking the Myth
Despite the common myth that veterans are buried standing up, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, the majority of veterans are buried in traditional graves, with their bodies lying flat in the ground.
Facts and Figures
Here are some facts and figures that debunk the myth:
- According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the majority of veterans are buried in traditional graves, with their bodies lying flat in the ground.
- The American Battle Monuments Commission, which is responsible for maintaining and operating cemeteries and memorials for American service members, has stated that there is no evidence to support the claim that veterans are buried standing up.
- A study published in the Journal of Military History found that of the 116,000 American service members buried in France during World War I, only 12% were buried with their heads facing east.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the myth that veterans are buried standing up is just that – a myth. While there are many reasons why veterans may have been buried with their heads facing east, there is no evidence to support the claim that they were buried standing up.
