Mismanagement at Arlington National Cemetery: The Ultimate Disrespect

Recent news has emerged that exposes mismanagement at one of the nation's most revered military burial sites. On Thursday June 10, Army Secretary John McHugh announced that the two top superintendents at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia are to be forced out after an investigation revealed the misplacement or misidentification of what could perhaps be hundreds of remains. McHugh ordered the investigation in November and, as a result, Superintendent John Metzler will be retiring next month, until which point he is under supervision, and his deputy, Thurman Higgenbotham, has been placed on administrative leave.

Over 300,000 people are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, including deceased soldiers, former presidents, and statesmen. The cemetery is host to around 30 funerals daily. The investigation revealed that the administration has been relying on paper records to manage the high volume of burials and, as a result, at least 211 remains have been found to be misidentified or misplaced, with the potential for more to be uncovered. Although the Army has uncovered no malicious intent in these mix-ups, Deputy Superintendent Higgenbotham is nevertheless being investigated for potentially making false statements to investigators. For those family members wondering if their loved ones have been affected, they are urged to call the cemetery at 703-607-8000.

As someone who has had family members serve in the Armed Forces, who has many friends who are currently serving, and as an American, I am outraged and appalled by the situation at Arlington National Cemetery. Even though the Army's investigation has so far shown that the misidentifications and misplacements have been accidental, this does not excuse the officials from failing to take proper precautions in such an important assignment. American soldiers, who risk their lives on a daily basis, deserve just as much respect in death as they are shown in life. To not take the utmost care and devotion in ensuring that their final resting places are determined with accuracy is, to me, the ultimate disrespect. In my opinion, the Army has done the right thing in forcing out the top two executives at Arlington. However, it is only when every grave has been found to house its proper remains that anyone will truly be able to rest in peace.

Sources:

Annie Flaherty and Pauline Jelinek. "Army: Bodies misidentified, misplaced at Arlington". Yahoo and Associated Press.

"Army Forces Top Two Administrators Out Over Mismanagement of Arlington Cemetery". Fox News.