Learn About Arlington National Cemetery Burial

Overview of Arlington National Cemetery and Burial Options

Arlington National Cemetery sits on 639 acres in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. It serves as one of the most significant military burial grounds in the United States, with more than 400,000 interments since its establishment in 1864. The cemetery honors service members from all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Beyond active-duty personnel, Arlington also receives veterans, former members of the Reserve and National Guard, and certain civilians with military connections.

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The cemetery operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army and maintains standards that reflect the solemnity and respect owed to those buried there. Understanding how Arlington National Cemetery functions helps families make informed decisions about burial arrangements. The cemetery offers several types of burial options, each with distinct characteristics and requirements. These range from full-casket ground burials to in-ground cremated remains placement, above-ground crypt interments, and niche placements for cremated remains.

Arlington's landscape includes several distinct sections and areas, each serving different burial purposes. The most well-known location is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an iconic monument that receives continuous honor guard ceremonies. Beyond this landmark, the cemetery contains thousands of grave markers, each representing an individual story of military service and sacrifice. The physical layout and aesthetic design reflect military tradition while providing families with a peaceful setting for remembrance.

Practical takeaway: Before pursuing Arlington burial, understand that the process involves multiple steps, verification requirements, and coordination with military officials. Families should gather military service records and documentation early to streamline communication with cemetery personnel.

Who May Be Buried at Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery maintains specific criteria for those whose remains may be interred there. Active-duty service members from all military branches are among those who may receive burial at Arlington. This includes personnel who die while on active duty or those who have completed service but maintain certain status with the military. Retired military members with at least 20 years of service may also be considered for burial there, though additional factors influence final placement decisions.

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Veterans who have served honorably and separated from the military represent another category of individuals who may be buried at Arlington. The length of service, type of discharge, and military rank all factor into cemetery decisions. Medal of Honor recipients automatically may be buried at Arlington regardless of other circumstances. Senior government officials, including former presidents and their spouses, have historically received burial at the cemetery. Congressional Medal of Honor recipients hold a special status within Arlington's burial categories.

Spouses and unmarried children of those buried at Arlington may also receive interment there under certain conditions. Children must have been under age 21 at the time of the service member's death, or between 21 and 23 if enrolled full-time in college. Adult children with disabilities may receive consideration under specific circumstances. Dependent parents of service members may also be interred at Arlington under particular conditions related to the service member's death or burial there.

The cemetery distinguishes between those with guaranteed burial rights and those for whom burial depends on space availability and other considerations. Pre-planning ahead of death allows time for verification of records and exploration of options. Military discharge papers, service records, and proof of relationship form the documentation needed during this process. Practical takeaway: Gather and organize all military service documentation and family records now. These papers form the foundation of any discussion about Arlington burial and prevent delays later.

The Burial Request and Verification Process

Initiating the burial process at Arlington National Cemetery begins with contacting the cemetery's Interment Services Office. This office handles inquiries, processes requests, and coordinates scheduling for funeral services. The office can be reached through the Arlington National Cemetery website or by phone during business hours. When contacting the cemetery, families should be prepared to provide basic information about the deceased, including full name, date of birth, military service branch, and years of service.

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The cemetery staff requests military service documentation to verify that the deceased meets Arlington's burial criteria. This documentation typically includes the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for veterans, or military personnel records for active-duty service members. For retirees, military identification cards or retirement orders may serve as verification. These documents establish the nature of service, discharge status, and eligibility category. Obtaining these records may take time if they are not readily available, making early document gathering valuable.

Once military service is verified, the cemetery determines whether burial space is currently available in the appropriate section for the individual's category. Arlington prioritizes burial based on military rank and service record. Space availability influences both timing and location of the burial site. The Interment Services Office communicates findings to the family and discusses available options. If space is not immediately available in preferred sections, the cemetery may offer alternative locations or provide information about placement on a waiting list.

Families coordinate with funeral homes to arrange the logistics of transport and the funeral service itself. The cemetery has specific requirements regarding casket specifications, grave liners, and service protocols. These requirements ensure consistency across the cemetery and honor military tradition. The funeral home typically handles communication between the family, the cemetery, and the military honor guard that participates in the service. Practical takeaway: Start the verification process as soon as possible after a death occurs. The earlier the cemetery receives documentation, the sooner burial scheduling can begin.

Types of Burial and Interment Options at Arlington

Ground burial with a casket represents the traditional form of interment at Arlington National Cemetery. These graves are marked with granite or marble headstones that follow a standard design, creating the cemetery's distinctive appearance. The cemetery maintains specific standards for casket construction, grave liners, and vault materials. These requirements protect the casket from ground settling and ensure long-term grave maintenance. Ground burials typically occur in dedicated sections organized by military branch, rank, and service era. Families choose a time for the funeral service, and the cemetery coordinates the actual burial with military honors.

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Cremation and placement of cremated remains offers an alternative to ground burial. Cremated remains may be placed in below-ground columbaria (structures with niches), in-ground cremains gardens, or scattered on the cemetery grounds. In-ground cremains placement requires a smaller footprint than full casket burial and costs less than traditional ground interment. The cemetery has designated areas specifically for cremated remains, and families receive documentation of the placement location. Many families appreciate this option for its flexibility and lower overall cost while still honoring the deceased's military service.

Above-ground columbaria crypts provide another interment option for cremated remains. These structures house multiple niches, each containing cremated remains and marked with a plaque bearing the deceased's name and service information. Columbaria are situated throughout the cemetery in designated memorial gardens. These structures protect remains from ground moisture and weather while taking up minimal space. The marble or granite construction of columbaria reflects the cemetery's commitment to permanence and respect. Families can visit these structures easily, and the organized layout makes locating specific niches straightforward.

Scattering of cremated remains on designated areas of Arlington's grounds represents a fourth option. The cemetery provides specific locations where scattering is permitted, typically in formal gardens or memorial areas. This option appeals to families seeking a less structured approach to honoring their loved one while maintaining connection to Arlington. The cemetery documents the scattering location and provides families with records. Practical takeaway: Consider which interment type aligns with the deceased's preferences and your family's needs. Each option carries different costs, space requirements, and long-term maintenance considerations.

Military Honors and Funeral Service Protocols

Military honors at Arlington National Cemetery reflect the significance of service and sacrifice. Active-duty personnel and retirees receive a full military funeral with color guard, firing party, and bugler performing taps. The specific elements of the ceremony depend on military rank and branch of service. Officers of high rank may receive additional ceremonial elements, including riderless horses or special honor details. These traditions date back centuries and form an important part of military funeral rites. Families do not choose the elements of the military funeral; instead, the cemetery coordinates these based on the deceased's rank and service record.

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The honor guard typically consists of four to eight military personnel dressed in dress uniforms representing the deceased's service branch. These individuals perform a flag-folding ceremony at the gravesite, presenting the folded American flag to the family. The tradition of flag presentation symbolizes the nation's gratitude for the service member's sacrifice. A bugler performs taps, a solemn instrumental piece with deep historical significance in military tradition. The firing party may perform a three-volley salute, creating a distinctive and respectful sound that marks the conclusion