Can Any Veteran be Buried in Arlington?
Direct Answer: No, Not Any Veteran
While Arlington National Cemetery is a revered national cemetery that honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, not just any veteran can be buried there. There are strict eligibility criteria and guidelines in place to determine who is eligible for burial at Arlington.
Who is Eligible for Burial at Arlington National Cemetery?
To be eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a veteran must meet specific criteria:
• Minimum Service Requirements: The individual must have a minimum of 1 year of active duty or at least 90 days of continuous active duty during a designated war time period.
Designated War Time Periods:
- World War II: September 8, 1939 to July 26, 1947
- Korean War: June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975
- Desert Shield/Storm War: August 7, 1990 to February 28, 1991
- Gulf War War: August 2, 1990 to September 7, 1995
- OEF/OF War: September 11, 2001 to present
- Post-Vietnam War War: October 22, 1991 to August 6, 2001
• Medal Requirements: The individual must have been awarded at least one of the following medals: Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Medal of Honor, or Purple Heart.
• Additional Requirements: Spouses of eligible veterans are also eligible for burial, as are minor children (under 21) and surviving spouse of a deceased veteran if the spouse dies after January 25, 1997.
• Special Category Burials: Certain veterans who have earned special commendations or are part of specific organizations (e.g., Prisoners of War, Missing in Action) may be eligible for special category burials.
What About Spouses, Minor Children, and Veterans with Limited Military Service?
- Spouses: Eligible spouses must have been married to the veteran at the time of their death, and have not remarried.
- Minor Children: Children under the age of 21 who were dependent on the veteran for at least 50% of their support at the time of their death may be buried at Arlington.
- Veterans with Limited Military Service: If a veteran has served a minimum of 30 days of continuous active duty (not just 1 year) or has a military service related disability, they may still be eligible for burial, but only with special authorization from the National Cemetery Administration.
Waiting Period:
A 3-day waiting period applies to veterans who pass away in non-hospice care and are admitted to a medical facility. The waiting period is waived if the individual is under hospice care or is an in-patient in a medical facility.
The Burial Process:
The process of arranging a burial at Arlington National Cemetery involves:
- Eligibility Determination: Arlington National Cemetery conducts an initial eligibility check.
- Documentation and Verification: The individual’s military record and any additional documentation are reviewed to ensure eligibility.
- Burial Arrangements: Burial dates are scheduled based on availability, and cemetery staff coordinate the burial.
- Funeral Services: Military funeral honors, including the playing of Taps, the Missing Man Table ceremony, and the 3-volley salute, may be rendered.
Alternatives for Veterans who Do Not Meet the Criteria:
For veterans who do not meet the eligibility criteria, there are alternative national cemeteries and burial options, including:
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemeteries: These cemeteries have a more general eligibility policy.
• State and Local Veterans’ Cemeteries: Eligibility varies, but typically requires some connection to the state or locality.
• Private Cemeteries: Eligibility depends on the individual cemetery, but generally requires the payment of private burial fees.
Conclusion:
Arlington National Cemetery is a place of honor, where eligible veterans are remembered and their sacrifices recognized. While it is a significant privilege to be buried there, strict eligibility criteria and guidelines apply. If you are considering burial at Arlington, review the eligibility criteria and speak with the National Cemetery Administration or Arlington National Cemetery for guidance on the process.
Additional Resources:
- www.arlingtoncemetery.mil – Official Website of Arlington National Cemetery
- www.cem.va.gov – Official Website of the National Cemetery Administration