Available space is dwindling at Arlington National Cemetery, which began operating nearly 150 years ago. In a report to Congress this year, the U.S. military reported it continues to conduct 24 to 27 services each weekday, with nearly 400,000 total burials.
Is there any space left at Arlington National Cemetery?
“Without changes to eligibility, Arlington National Cemetery will run out of space for new burials in the early 2040s or the mid-2060s with the construction of the Southern Expansion project, even for those service members who are killed in action or are recipients of the Medal of Honor.”
Is there room at Arlington National Cemetery?
Perhaps the most hallowed burial ground in the United States is Arlington National Cemetery. The problem is that this cemetery is running out of room. In fact, at the current pace, it will be full in about a quarter century.
Are there actual bodies at Arlington?
At Arlington National Cemetery, there are individual Civil War unknown burials as well as the remains of 2,111 Union and Confederate soldiers buried beneath the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns.
Can soldiers still be buried at Arlington?
Soldiers who die while on active duty, retired members of the Armed Forces, and certain Veterans and Family members are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The persons specified below are eligible for ground burial in Arlington National Cemetery.
What happens when Arlington runs out of space?
The Army is moving forward with a plan to limit in-ground burials at Arlington. Under the proposal, burials will be allowed only for service members who received the highest combat awards. That’s because Arlington is running out of space, even though a new expansion project will add over 80,000 new grave sites.
How soon will Arlington Cemetery be full?
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is at another crossroads in its history. In about twenty-five years, ANC will run out of space as an active cemetery to honor our Nation’s veterans.
Is the Arlington cemetery full?
Already the final resting place for more that 420,000 veterans and their relatives, the cemetery has been adding about 7,000 more each year. At that rate, even if the last rinds of open ground around its edges are put to use, the cemetery will be completely full in about 25 years.
Is Arlington open to the public?
The site is open to the public 365 days a year with free admission for those who wish to tour the site and pay their respects.
Can you walk around Arlington Cemetery?
You are encouraged to explore the cemetery (you may walk on the grass to find a grave) and attend a public ceremony. However, activities such as running, climbing, bicycling, playing sports or picnicking are not allowed.
Is there an actual body in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The body was identified as that of Air Force 1st Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam in 1972. It was decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant.
Can a wife be buried in Arlington?
—The remains of the following individuals may be buried in Arlington National Cemetery: ”(1) The spouse, surviving spouse, minor child, and, at the discretion of the Superintendent, unmarried adult child of a person listed in subsection (a), but only if buried in the same gravesite as that person.
Are there remains in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Who Is Buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Four people have been buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one each for World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. However, the body buried on behalf of soldiers in Vietnam was later exhumed.
Will Arlington fill up?
Arlington is still growing, including the new Southern Expansion. But even with that potential 80,000 new burial spaces, Arlington is projected to hit capacity by the 2060s.
How much does it cost to be buried at Arlington?
There are no fees or costs for a burial or inurnment. However, all costs associated with preparation of the remains, casket or urn, and shipping of the remains to the Washington, DC area are at the expense of the estate unless the deceased is currently on active duty.
Can civilians be buried at Arlington?
Nearly 3,800 “citizens” or “contrabands” (former slaves who were living in government facilities and settlements in the Washington, D.C. region) are interred in Section 27. Citizen or civilian is inscribed on their headstones. No residents of Freedman’s Village are buried in Section 27.
What happens when cemetery runs out of room?
What Does This Mean for Our Future? Today, some cemeteries rent out plots, which allows people to lease a space for up to 100 years before the grave is allowed to be recycled and reused. Many countries around the world have resorted to this process as their available land begins to fill.
How many bodies are in Arlington Cemetery?
Today, approximately 400,000 veterans and their eligible dependents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
What is the oldest grave at Arlington?
The grave of William Christman
[3] The grave of William Christman, a Private from the 67th Pennsylvania is the oldest military grave at Arlington. Christman was laid to rest on May 13, 1864.
Can you walk around Arlington cemetery at night?
Arlington National Cemetery will be open for gravesite visitation ONLY from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning on September 19, 2020.
How many funerals does Arlington have each day?
Arlington National Cemetery is the most hallowed burial ground of our nation’s fallen. A fully operational national cemetery since May 1864, Arlington conducts between 27 and 30 funeral services each weekday and between six and eight services on Saturdays — final farewells to fallen heroes and their family members.