Arlington National Cemetery is running out of space and the site’s directors are asking the public for suggestions on how to proceed. According to estimates, the Cemetery could reach capacity in 23 years.
“Without changes to the current eligibility requirements and physical footprint, Arlington National Cemetery will not be a burial option for most who served in the Gulf War – or any conflict since – regardless of their contribution, achievements, or valor,” said Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries, Karen Durham-Aguilera.
Each year ANC lays to rest 7,000 veterans and their eligible dependents. The site serves as the final resting place for veterans from every armed conflict since the founding of the nation. Nearly 400,000 veterans and their eligible dependents are currently buried there.
The cemetery sits across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. It was created in 1864 during the Civil War. It also includes the Tomb of the Unknowns, a shrine that honors killed U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified.
ANC conducted a public survey earlier this year in an attempt to educate the public on the choices it faces. Nearly 28,000 people responded. Of those surveyed, 93% felt that the cemetery should remain an active burial site well into the future, and 52% said they understood the need to expand where possible and to limit eligibility when needed.
“Our survey results had three themes,” said Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent, Katharine Kelley during a hearing before a House Armed Services Committee Military Personnel Subcommittee in March.
“To ensure the public understood the challenge; that respondents wanted to keep the cemetery open and active well into the future; and for those who thought we should address eligibility, there was a near unanimous support for KIAs, Medal of Honor and high award recipients, former POWs, and active duty who perish in training or operational accidents to remain eligible.”
ANC has announced a second survey for the public to share their views on the site’s history, as well as its future. The survey can be found on Arlington’s website at www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/eligibility-survey.
“Your opinion matters – not only to us, but to our military and civilian leaders as they face a difficult future for our hallowed national shrine,” Durham-Aguilera said.
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley via Wikimedia Commons