How Many Soldiers are Buried in Arlington National Cemetery?
Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most prestigious military cemeteries in the United States. Established in 1864, it has been the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of American heroes, including presidents, military leaders, and ordinary soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: How many soldiers are buried in Arlington National Cemetery?
The Number of Burials
As of 2022, more than 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This number includes:
- Over 150,000 Union soldiers from the Civil War
- More than 80,000 World War I veterans
- Over 220,000 World War II veterans
- Over 34,000 Korean War veterans
- Over 49,000 Vietnam War veterans
- Over 6,000 Gulf War and Iraq War veterans
- Over 3,000 service members from the Global War on Terror
Contents
Interesting Facts about Arlington National Cemetery
• First Burial: The first burial at Arlington National Cemetery was Private William Henry Christman, who died on May 11, 1864, during the Civil War.
• Oldest Grave: The oldest grave in the cemetery is that of Private Albert Woolson, who served in the 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery and died on March 13, 1923, at the age of 92.
• Youngest Grave: The youngest grave in the cemetery is that of Captain Henry Avery, who died on January 28, 1995, at the age of 10.
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the cemetery, is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is the final resting place for four unidentified American servicemen, including one from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Arlington National Cemetery’s Burial Statistics
| War/Conflict | Number of Burials |
|---|---|
| American Revolution | 400 |
| Indian Wars | 1,100 |
| Spanish-American War | 1,200 |
| World War I | 80,000 |
| World War II | 220,000 |
| Korean War | 34,000 |
| Vietnam War | 49,000 |
| Gulf War and Iraq War | 6,000 |
| Global War on Terror | 3,000 |
| Total | 409,700 |
Notable Burials
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable American figures, including:
- President John F. Kennedy: The 35th President of the United States, who was assassinated in 1963, is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Lieutenant General Lesley J. McNair: A highly decorated general who played a key role in the Allied victory in World War II, McNair is buried at the cemetery.
- Lieutenant Colonel John F. Donovan: A Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action during the Korean War, Donovan is buried at the cemetery.
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael R. Bock: A highly decorated airman who was killed in action during the Vietnam War, Bock is buried at the cemetery.
Conclusion
Arlington National Cemetery is a symbol of American history and heroism, with over 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families buried on its hallowed grounds. From the Civil War to the Global War on Terror, the cemetery is a testament to the sacrifices made by American soldiers and their families. The numbers and stories of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery are a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring those who have served and died in defense of their country.
