Headstones and markers are furnished for eligible spouses and dependents of Veterans, only when they are buried or memorialized in a national, military post/base or state Veterans cemetery. Spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery are not eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker.
Can you get married at Arlington National Cemetery?
All ceremonies are scheduled based on time, location, appropriateness and availability. They are also subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to official U.S. government ceremonies, inclement weather or other unforeseen occurrences.
Is there a dress code for Arlington Cemetery?
We suggest wearing attire that is appropriate for the season, but also respects the dignity of the occasion. Proper footwear that allows mobility on hard and soft surfaces is recommended.
How much is a plot at Arlington Cemetery?
Arlington National Cemetery does not charge fees for an interment or inurnment at the cemetery. The only potential costs to the estate of the deceased are for vaults.
What is the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery?
Two major annual remembrance ceremonies take place at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater, on Memorial Day (last Monday of May) and Veterans Day (November 11). Some 5,000 visitors attend each of these national ceremonies, which are sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
How long is the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery?
The service (generally 20-30 minutes): Committal service is conducted. Military funeral honors are rendered. Family departs gravesite to exit the cemetery.
Can my wife be buried with me in a military cemetery?
g. (1) The spouse, surviving spouse or dependent of an eligible Veteran or member of the Armed Forces may be eligible for interment in a national cemetery even if that Veteran is not buried or memorialized in a national cemetery.
Is it disrespectful to take pictures at Arlington cemetery?
We ask media and cemetery visitors to respect the solemnity of Arlington National Cemetery by refraining from taking pictures of or filming someone who is visibly mourning. Please ask for permission to film or photograph those visiting a gravesite.
Can you take photos at Arlington cemetery?
Any original photographs taken while at Arlington National Cemetery do not require a release from Arlington or the Department of the Army. Photographers may keep and use photographs they have taken as they wish.
Can you bring drinks into Arlington National Cemetery?
Food and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. The cemetery grounds are vast, and the weather is often hot during the summer; stay hydrated! You may bring bottled water or purchase it at the Welcome Center, and our ANC Explorer mobile app will help you locate water fountains throughout the cemetery.
Do you own your grave plot?
How long do you own the cemetery plot? In most cases, when you buy a plot, you own it forever. There are some states with laws that allow them to reclaim the space if a certain amount of time passes with no activity at the gravesite. This time span is usually 50 years or more.
How many plots are left in Arlington?
The eligible population is more than 22 million … currently today, we have less than 85,000 spaces.”
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.
Why do they take 21 steps at Arlington?
The Tomb Guard marches exactly 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. (The number 21 symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed, the 21-gun salute.)
Can you wear shorts at Arlington cemetery?
FAQ for Arlington National Cemetery If you are just a tourist jeans and shorts and a t shirt are fine. Just be respectful and mindful that you are at a cemetery.
Does every grave at Arlington get a wreath?
What is it? Wreaths Across America holds an annual event to honor those laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Volunteers will lay a wreath on each veteran’s grave — more than a quarter-million wreaths altogether — and each veteran’s name will be spoken aloud to honor them.
Can you spread ashes at Arlington?
Arlington National Cemetery rules regarding cremation ashes Therefore, keepsake urns with ashes that a family can bring home or the scattering of ashes are not permitted.
Who gets full military honors at Arlington?
Enlisted service members, WO-1 through CW-3, and O-1 through O-3, who are interred or inurned at Arlington National Cemetery will receive military funeral honors.
What is the most visited grave in Arlington Cemetery?
While President Kennedy’s eternal flame and the Tomb of the Unknowns are the most visited destinations within the 624-acre site, here are 12 other Arlington Cemetery notable graves.
Can you be buried in the same casket as your wife?
If a couple prefers an above-ground final resting place, there are mausoleum options as well. A companion crypt would place the caskets side by side. There is also the option of a tandem crypt placement where the caskets are arranged together lengthwise.
Can I be buried in the same coffin as my wife?
Yes — Depending upon the cemetery’s policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.
What can you not do at a cemetery at night?
Most cemeteries are open from dawn until dusk. Try not to remain in the cemetery after dark to avoid being charged with trespassing. Furthermore, it goes without saying that do not enter a cemetery during the hours it is closed.
Can flowers be left at graves in Arlington?
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. ANC provides portable temporary cones for flowers that the public may use. These cones can be found throughout the cemetery in centralized containers. Artificial flowers may be placed on gravesites from October 10 through April 15.
Are there bodies in Arlington cemetery?
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 I bring a backpack to Arlington National Cemetery?
There are up to four screening lines for visitors. Please allow time to go through security screening when visiting the cemetery, especially large tour groups. To expedite the screening process, we recommend that visitors bring minimal to no bags.