Can Any Veteran be Buried at Arlington?
Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most revered and iconic cemeteries in the United States. Established in 1864, it has been the final resting place for over 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families. While Arlington is often associated with high-ranking military officials and Medal of Honor recipients, can any veteran be buried at Arlington?
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a veteran must meet certain criteria. According to the Department of the Army, the following are the basic eligibility requirements:
- Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Members: Any member of the Armed Forces who dies while on active duty, in the Reserve, or in the National Guard is eligible for burial at Arlington.
- Veterans: Any veteran who has been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions is eligible for burial at Arlington.
- Former Prisoners of War: Former prisoners of war who are honorably discharged or released from active duty are eligible for burial at Arlington.
- Recipients of the Medal of Honor: Recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor awarded by the United States, are eligible for burial at Arlington.
Burial Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the basic eligibility criteria, there are specific burial eligibility requirements that must be met. These include:
- Death: The veteran must have died.
- Age: There is no age limit for burial at Arlington.
- Service-connected death: The veteran must have died as a result of a service-connected condition or have a service-connected condition that contributed to their death.
- Spouse and dependent children: The spouse and dependent children of eligible veterans may also be buried at Arlington.
Application Process
The application process for burial at Arlington National Cemetery is straightforward, but it does require some documentation and preparation. Here are the steps to follow:
- Obtain the necessary documents: You will need to provide a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers, death certificate, and any other relevant documentation.
- Complete the application: You can download and complete the burial application form from the Arlington National Cemetery website or contact the cemetery directly to request a form.
- Submit the application: Submit the completed application to the Arlington National Cemetery Burial Office.
Waiting Period
It’s important to note that there is a waiting period for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The waiting period is typically 24 to 48 hours, but it can be longer during peak burial periods.
Burial Options
Arlington National Cemetery offers several burial options, including:
- Graves: Graves are available for eligible veterans and their families.
- Inurnments: Inurnments are available for cremated remains.
- Memorials: Memorials are available for those who do not have a family member or veteran to be buried with them.
Costs
Burial at Arlington National Cemetery is free of charge, including the cost of the grave, headstone, and flag. However, some costs may be associated with the burial, such as:
- Transportation: The cost of transporting the body to Arlington National Cemetery.
- Casket: The cost of the casket, if not provided by the family.
- Flowers and other decorations: The cost of flowers and other decorations, if not provided by the family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Arlington National Cemetery is a prestigious and highly respected cemetery, it is not limited to high-ranking military officials or Medal of Honor recipients. Any veteran who meets the basic eligibility criteria and burial eligibility requirements can be buried at Arlington. The application process is straightforward, and the cemetery offers several burial options to suit the needs of eligible veterans and their families.
