Can all veterans be buried at arlington?

Can All Veterans be Buried at Arlington?

Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most revered and historic cemeteries in the United States. Established in 1864, it is the final resting place for over 400,000 American heroes, including 15 presidents, 28 Medal of Honor recipients, and thousands of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. While Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred place, not all veterans are eligible for burial there. In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria and what sets Arlington apart from other national cemeteries.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, an individual must meet one of the following criteria:

• Served in the Armed Forces: The individual must have served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or have been discharged or released under honorable conditions.
• Received a Purple Heart: The individual must have received a Purple Heart for wounds or death resulting from combat with an enemy force or as a result of an international terrorist attack.
• Been a Prisoner of War: The individual must have been a prisoner of war for more than 30 days.
• Received a Congressional Medal of Honor: The individual must have received the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force.

Not Eligible for Burial

While these criteria are relatively straightforward, there are some individuals who are not eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. These include:

• Individuals who did not serve in the Armed Forces: While individuals who served in the military are eligible for burial, those who did not serve are not.
• Individuals with a dishonorable discharge: Those who were discharged or released with a dishonorable discharge are not eligible for burial at Arlington.
• Individuals who were court-martialed: Individuals who were court-martialed and received a bad conduct discharge are not eligible.
• Individuals who were not American citizens: Only American citizens are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

What Sets Arlington Apart

Arlington National Cemetery is unique in that it is the only national cemetery that offers special burial honors. These honors include:

• Funeral services: A formal funeral service is conducted by a chaplain, followed by a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps".
• Grave marker: Each grave is marked with a white marble headstone, inscribed with the individual’s name, rank, and dates of birth and death.
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Arlington is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to American service members who have died in combat and whose remains have not been identified.

Alternative Options

While not all veterans are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, there are alternative options available. These include:

• National Cemeteries: There are 134 national cemeteries located throughout the United States, which offer burial benefits to eligible veterans.
• State Veterans Cemeteries: Many states have their own veterans cemeteries, which offer similar burial benefits to national cemeteries.
• Private Cemeteries: Veterans may also choose to be buried in private cemeteries, which may offer burial benefits such as a gravesite, headstone, and funeral services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while not all veterans are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, it remains a sacred place that honors the service and sacrifice of American heroes. By understanding the eligibility criteria and what sets Arlington apart, veterans and their families can make informed decisions about their final resting place. Whether buried at Arlington or another national cemetery, veterans will be remembered and honored for their service to the United States.

Table: Eligibility Criteria for Burial at Arlington National Cemetery

Bullets List: Not Eligible for Burial

• Individuals who did not serve in the Armed Forces
• Individuals with a dishonorable discharge
• Individuals who were court-martialed and received a bad conduct discharge
• Individuals who were not American citizens