Criteria for Burial at Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for service members from every war. These serviceman are of every creed, race, sex and age. It is the "dream" final resting place for many veterans as the grounds speak of respect and dignity. While there is the magnificence of Arlington, the sacrifice that service members made will never be forgotten.

There are more than 285,000 people laid to rest at Arlington National cemetery. Ranging from the Revolutionary war right up to the current Iraq and Afghanistan struggles.

Arlington National Cemetery is one of America's top tourist destinations with many visitors unsure as to how they feel when they hear the haunting sounds of 'Taps'. Should they feel sorrow or should they feel a sense of pride?

Today, there area approximately 25 funerals each day at Arlington. Most of these have been for older veterans but of more recent times there has been more than 50 funerals for those killed for the Operation of Iraqi Freedom.

There are 50 of the 184 people killed in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. These graves can be found on Section 64.

The piece of land known as Section 27 was given to slaves by the federal government and nearly 3,800 slaves, who farmed or lived, in Freedman's Village during and after the Civil war are buried there.

Who is eligible to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery?

It is an honor to be buried at this cemetery and this honor is restricted to those who fulfill certain criteria:

Those who died while on active duty.

Active duty retirees.

Reserve retirees who are aged over 60 and drawing retirement pay at the time of death.

Any veteran who has been awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, or the Medal of Honor.

Widows and widowers of service members that have been officially determined missing in action

Should a person be eligible for burial at Arlington may decide for inurnment if they so wish.

How Are Burial Arrangements Made?

These can only be made once the service member has died and include usual arrangements and selection of the burial site. Usually arrangements take place between the chosen funeral home and the staff at the cemetery.

There is no cost to the family for graves, gravesite care, burial flags or Government Issue headstones.

Once a veteran has died the request for burial at Arlington should be faxed to (703) 607-8543 or mailed to the Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA 22211-5003. All requests are answered by phone usually within 24 hours.

When putting in the request make sure that you have included: the name of the deceased, why the deceased should be considered, all documentation of military service and a day and evening contact number.

Source: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/jointservices/a/arlington.htm