Arlington National Cemetery: What It Is and What You Should Know
Arlington National Cemetery stands as one of the most significant and recognizable burial grounds in the United States. Located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., it serves as the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of military service members, veterans, and their family members. But beyond its fame as a landmark, many people have questions about how it operates, who can be buried there, and what visiting or arranging a burial actually involves.
This guide explains the essential facts about Arlington National Cemetery—how it functions, who qualifies for burial, and the key variables that shape the experience for different people.
What Arlington National Cemetery Is 🪖
Arlington National Cemetery is a federal military cemetery operated by the United States Army. It has served as a burial ground since 1864, and its 639 acres now contain graves, monuments, and memorials honoring military personnel from every major conflict the nation has experienced.
The cemetery is far more than a burial site—it's a historical landmark, a place of pilgrimage, and a symbol of national remembrance. Thousands of visitors tour it annually, and many come to pay respects at specific graves or memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the grave sites of U.S. presidents.
What makes Arlington distinctive is its strict eligibility requirements. Not everyone can be buried there. The criteria are tied directly to military service, and the standards are both specific and non-negotiable.
Who Is Eligible for Burial at Arlington National Cemetery
Eligibility is determined by your military service record and discharge status. Understanding these categories matters if you're planning ahead or helping a family member navigate burial options.
Active-Duty Service Members
Anyone on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard) is automatically eligible. This covers active-duty personnel regardless of rank or length of service.
Veterans
Veterans—those who have separated from military service—are eligible under specific conditions:
- Honorable discharge: The standard requirement. Your discharge papers must reflect an honorable discharge status, not dishonorable, bad conduct, or other than honorable discharge.
- Length of service: Generally, there is no minimum service requirement, but discharge circumstances matter. Some veterans with very brief service may fall outside eligibility if their discharge status doesn't meet criteria.
- Retirees: Military retirees who served long enough to receive retirement pay are automatically eligible.
Family Members of Eligible Service Members
Spouses, children, and parents of eligible service members or veterans may also qualify for burial at Arlington. The specific rules depend on the relationship and the service member's eligibility status. For example, the surviving spouse of an eligible veteran may be buried there, but the eligibility of children or parents depends on additional factors.
Medal of Honor Recipients
Recipients of the Medal of Honor, regardless of other factors, are always eligible for Arlington burial.
Other Categories
The cemetery recognizes other specific groups, including certain former U.S. presidents (those with military service) and high-ranking government officials in rare instances.
The Variables That Shape Eligibility đź“‹
Several factors determine whether a specific person qualifies:
| Factor | How It Shapes Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Discharge Status | Honorable discharge is typically required; other discharge types usually disqualify a veteran |
| Relationship to Service Member | Spouses and children of eligible members may qualify; the service member's eligibility determines family eligibility |
| Active vs. Retired Status | Active-duty personnel and military retirees have clearer eligibility paths than those with brief service records |
| Rank and Years of Service | Generally not a barrier, but discharge circumstances matter more than rank or tenure |
| Date of Service | Generally not a barrier; service in any era may qualify, as long as discharge status meets standards |
The Burial Application and Approval Process
If you or a family member is eligible, arranging a burial requires a formal application. This is not automatic—the cemetery receives requests that must be reviewed and approved.
How the Process Works
Initial contact: A family member, funeral director, or designated representative contacts Arlington National Cemetery's administrative office, typically after a death has occurred.
Documentation submission: You'll need to provide military service records (DD-214 form or equivalent), proof of discharge status, and documentation of the relationship (for family members). The cemetery verifies eligibility through military databases.
Eligibility determination: The cemetery reviews your documents and confirms whether the deceased meets burial criteria.
Space and scheduling: Even if eligible, Arlington operates with a limited number of burial spaces each year. If spaces are available and eligibility is confirmed, a burial date is scheduled.
Burial ceremony: The cemetery arranges a military funeral honors ceremony, which typically includes a flag presentation and uniformed service members.
What Affects the Timeline
The waiting period between death and burial depends on several factors:
- Current volume of burial requests at the cemetery
- Availability of burial spaces
- Completeness of your documentation
- Whether additional verification of military service is needed
Unlike commercial cemeteries, you don't simply choose a date; Arlington manages this based on capacity and demand.
Understanding the Cost Implications
Arlington National Cemetery does not charge for burial. There is no plot fee, no opening and closing fees, and no maintenance charges. This is a significant distinction from private cemeteries, which typically charge thousands of dollars.
However, families still incur costs for:
- Casket or cremation arrangements (handled by the family's chosen funeral home)
- Funeral service planning (if desired beyond the military honors ceremony)
- Transportation to the cemetery if the deceased is being moved from another location
The cemetery itself provides the burial space and honors ceremony at no cost.
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery
If you're visiting—whether to pay respects or to tour the grounds—the cemetery is open to the public, though access involves security screening. Visitors should be aware that:
- Photography rules apply: Commercial photography and filming require permits; personal photography for non-commercial purposes is generally allowed
- Respectful conduct is expected: The grounds are a solemn place of remembrance
- Guided tours are available: Many visitors use official tours or guides to understand the history and layout
- Accessibility: The cemetery offers accommodations for visitors with mobility limitations
Key Points for Your Situation
Understanding Arlington's role in the broader landscape of cemetery options depends on your circumstances:
If you're planning ahead for yourself or a family member, the primary question is whether military service eligibility applies. If it does, Arlington offers a significant advantage: free burial with military honors, no commercial cemetery fees, and national historical recognition.
If you're helping a family member navigate burial options after a death, eligibility verification should be your first step. A funeral director familiar with military burials can help, but ultimately, the cemetery's administrative office confirms whether criteria are met.
If you're visiting as a tourist or to pay respects, the cemetery welcomes respectful visitors and provides resources to help you locate graves and understand the historical significance of what you're seeing.
The variables—discharge status, military service eligibility, family relationships, and current capacity—shape both whether Arlington is an option and what the process looks like. A military funeral home director or the cemetery's administrative office can help you evaluate your specific eligibility and next steps.