Why Do Military Members Get Buried at Arlington National Cemetery?

Arlington National Cemetery, situated on the grounds of the former Arlington House, has served as a final resting place for many notable military figures and service members over the years. However, not all military members are eligible to be buried there. In this article, we explore the criteria and reasons behind the exclusive honor of being laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Eligibility for Burial at Arlington National Cemetery

The first question that often comes to mind is: who can be buried at Arlington? According to the Department of Defense, to be eligible for burial at Arlington, one must meet several conditions.

Criteria for Eligibility

Military Service: The primary factor is military service, which means active duty, reserve, or national guard service, as well as auxiliary members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Service Eligibility: Must have served in a capacity that would render one eligible for a government headstone or marker. Conduct: The individual or their family member(s) must not have engaged in any conduct that would render the individual ineligible for burial at Arlington.

Middle Income and Burial Burden

Another significant factor is the middle-income aspect involved in securing a plot at Arlington. Given its prestige and the limited availability of burial spaces, being eligible for burial at Arlington often comes down to financial considerations and other practical arrangements.

Financial Incentives and Middle-Class Eligibility

About 75% of individuals buried at Arlington are veterans who served honorably. This group includes military families who live within the state of Virginia or have connections to the military community. However, Arlington also offers financial incentives for middle-income veterans or their spouses. The cemetery provides a low-cost burial program for veterans and spouses, reducing the financial burden associated with burial.

Housing Assistance Program (HAP)

A key criterion for eligibility includes proof of financial need. The Housing Assistance Program (HAP) offers financial assistance for burial, which is crucial for veterans who fall within the middle or lower income brackets.

Committal Services and Traditions

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the funeral and burial process at Arlington involve specific committal services and traditions that add to the prestige of being laid to rest here. These services honor the military contributions and sacrifices of those buried at Arlington.

Committal Services

Committal services at Arlington National Cemetery are highly formal and ritualistic. These services include the playing of Taps, the folding of the flag, and the final farewell by a representative of the Uniformed Services. The service also includes an honor guard and often a representative from the fallen service member's branch of the military.

Honoring the Fallen

Each burial plot is marked with a simple headstone, and a permanent plaque is installed to honor the individual's service. The cemetery's beautiful landscaping and the ever-present honor of those who served further add to the prestige and solemnity of the place. These traditions serve to honor and remember the contributions of military members and their sacrifices.

Conclusion

In summary, while not all military members can be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, those who are eligible hold a unique and distinguished place in the annals of American military history. The combination of eligibility criteria, financial support for middle and lower-income veterans, and the rich traditions of the committal services make Arlington a symbol of honor and sacrifice for many.