Introduction
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most prestigious cemeteries in the United States, and it is the final resting place for many of our nation’s heroes. The cemetery was established in 1864 and is located on the grounds of the former Robert E. Lee estate in Arlington, Virginia. For those who wish to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, there are specific eligibility requirements and an application process that must be followed. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Research Arlington National Cemetery’s Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
The first step in applying for burial at Arlington National Cemetery is to determine whether you or your loved one is eligible for interment there. Generally speaking, active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and their spouses or dependents may be eligible for burial at Arlington. It is important to note that eligibility requirements vary by service branch and can change over time, so it is important to research the current eligibility requirements before applying.
Once you have determined that you or your loved one is eligible for burial at Arlington, then you must submit a request to the appropriate service branch personnel office. Each service branch has its own application process, and you should contact the personnel office for the specific branch to inquire about the details of the application process. In some cases, you may need to submit an application directly to Arlington National Cemetery.
Understand the Different Types of Burials Offered at Arlington
Once you have submitted your request and completed the necessary paperwork, the next step is to understand the different types of burials offered at Arlington National Cemetery. Generally speaking, there are three different types of burials offered: standard gravesite, in-ground cremation site, and columbarium.
A standard gravesite is the most common type of burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This type of burial involves the internment of a full body in a coffin in a designated grave plot. An in-ground cremation site is similar to a standard gravesite, except that the remains are cremated prior to being buried. Finally, a columbarium is a type of burial involving the placement of cremated remains in an above-ground niche.
Obtain the Required Documents to Apply for Burial at Arlington
In order to apply for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, you must obtain several documents. These documents include proof of service (such as a DD Form 214), a death certificate, and any other documents that may be required by the service branch. You should contact the personnel office for the specific service branch to inquire about the exact documents that are required.
Contact the Appropriate Service Branch Personnel Office to Inquire about Burial at Arlington
As previously mentioned, each service branch has its own application process for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. To begin the application process, you should contact the personnel office for the specific service branch to inquire about the details of the process. The contact information for each service branch is as follows:
- Army: (800) 892-2490
- Navy: (866) 854-8364
- Air Force: (888) 616-3775
- Marine Corps: (877) 663-6772
- Coast Guard: (800) 881-2462
The personnel office for each service branch can provide assistance with the application process and can answer any questions you may have about burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Submit a Request and Complete the Necessary Paperwork for Burial at Arlington
Once you have obtained the required documents and contacted the appropriate service branch personnel office, you must submit a request and complete the necessary paperwork for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The exact forms and documents required will vary depending on the service branch, but generally speaking, you will need to submit a copy of the deceased’s death certificate, proof of service, and any other documents required by the service branch. Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you should submit them to the service branch personnel office for processing.
Attend the Necessary Military Honors Ceremony for Burial at Arlington
Once the application process is complete, you must attend the necessary military honors ceremony for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This ceremony is typically held at the gravesite and includes a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” Family members and friends are welcome to attend the ceremony, and they should dress appropriately for the occasion. It is important to note that the ceremony may be delayed due to weather conditions or other factors.
Make Arrangements for the Transport of the Remains to Arlington
Once the military honors ceremony is complete, you must make arrangements for the transport of the remains to Arlington National Cemetery. Depending on the location of the funeral home or other facility where the remains are being stored, you may need to arrange for ground transportation or air transportation. Transportation costs will vary depending on the distance traveled and the type of transportation used. It is important to note that the cost of transportation is not covered by the Department of Defense.
Conclusion
Burial at Arlington National Cemetery is a special honor reserved for those who have served our country. If you or your loved one is eligible for burial at Arlington, then you must follow a specific set of steps to apply for burial. This article provided a step-by-step guide on how to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, including researching the eligibility requirements and application process, understanding the different types of burials offered, obtaining the required documents, contacting the appropriate service branch personnel office, submitting a request and completing the necessary paperwork, attending the necessary military honors ceremony, and making arrangements for the transport of the remains. By following these steps, you can ensure that your loved one receives the honorable burial they deserve.
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This article implies there is a “military honors ceremony” that occurs prior to the remains being shipped to Arlington. This is quite misleading. The burial ceremony itself is the “military honors ceremony” and takes place AFTER the remains have arrived at Arlington, and the ceremony is conducted at the gravesite WITH the remains present.