Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery Seal

Arlington National Cemetery is a United States military cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., in the United States. With more than 400,000 graves, it is the final resting place for many United States Armed Forces members who died in the nation's conflicts beginning with the American Civil War. Established during the Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, which had been the estate of the family of Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Custis Lee (a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington), it was designated as a military cemetery on June 15, 1864.

History

The land that now comprises Arlington National Cemetery was originally intended to be a living memorial to George Washington. However, by the time of the Civil War, the estate had fallen into disrepair. The federal government confiscated the land for military use in 1861, and it was subsequently selected as the site of a cemetery to accommodate the increasing number of casualties. The first military burial at Arlington, that of Union Army Private William Christman, took place on May 13, 1864.

Notable Sites

Among the most visited sites within Arlington National Cemetery are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard"), and the John F. Kennedy gravesite, where an eternal flame burns in memory of the 35th President of the United States. Other notable memorials within the cemetery include the Challenger Space Shuttle Memorial, dedicated to the astronauts who perished in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, and the Columbia Space Shuttle Memorial, for those who died on the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Eligibility and Burial Procedures

Eligibility for burial at Arlington National Cemetery is restricted to active, retired, and former members of the armed forces, Medal of Honor recipients, and high-ranking federal government officials. The cemetery also accommodates the spouses and dependents of eligible service members. Burial procedures are strictly governed by military tradition and honor, ensuring that all interments are conducted with the highest level of respect and dignity.

Administration

The cemetery is managed by the United States Army, specifically through the United States Army Military District of Washington. The Army's management of the cemetery has evolved over time, with significant improvements in oversight and operations implemented following controversies over mismanagement and mishandling of burials in the late 2000s.

Cultural Significance

Arlington National Cemetery stands as a symbol of the nation's honor and respect for those who have served in its armed forces. It is a place of mourning and reflection but also serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of war. The cemetery hosts numerous public ceremonies throughout the year, including a national Memorial Day observance.