Eligibility for Arlington Burial
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most iconic burial sites in the United States, serving as the final resting place for thousands of military service members and their families. As such, there are strict eligibility requirements for those who wish to be buried in the cemetery, aimed at honoring the sacrifice and service of those who have served the country. In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria for Arlington National Cemetery burial.
Military Service Requirements
The primary eligibility requirement for Arlington National Cemetery burial is military service. To be eligible, an individual must have served in the United States Armed Forces, including those who served in the Reserve or National Guard. For those who served in the Reserve or National Guard, eligibility is based on whether the individual completed at least one term of active duty for training (ADT) or 20 years of satisfactory service for retirement.
Active Duty Service Criteria
Active-duty service criteria for eligibility at Arlington National Cemetery include individuals who died on active duty, were retired or were honorably discharged after serving at least one term of active duty. In addition, veterans who were discharged for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and those awarded the Medal of Honor are also eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Retiree or Honorably Discharged
Veterans who were retired or honorably discharged from active duty are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery if they have completed at least 20 years of active duty service, or if they were medically retired from service. In addition, the spouse and minor children of eligible veterans are also eligible to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Medal of Honor Recipients
Recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This includes all members of the armed forces, who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery and sacrifice in service to their country.
Combat Action Eligibility
Those who were killed or wounded in combat action during any war or conflict are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, as are those who died from wounds received during combat action, but not immediately. This includes individuals who were killed or wounded in action during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Families of Eligible Individuals
Immediate family members of eligible service members are also eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This includes the spouse, minor children, and unmarried adult children of eligible veterans. In addition, parents of eligible service members are also eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Reservists and National Guard
Reservists and members of the National Guard who completed at least one term of active duty for training or 20 years of satisfactory service for retirement are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Reservists and National Guard members who were killed while on active duty, as well as those who died while performing authorized training or while traveling to or from duty, are also eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Civilians who Served in War Zones
Certain civilians who served in war zones in support of military operations are also eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This includes civilian employees of the United States government who were killed or wounded as a result of hostile action, as well as journalists who were killed or wounded while accompanying the armed forces in an official capacity.
Former POWs and MIAs
Former prisoners of war (POWs) who died as a result of their captivity are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This includes individuals who died in POW camps or were lost at sea while being transported as POWs. In addition, those who are listed as missing in action (MIA) and are later declared dead are also eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Presidential and Congressional Eligibility
Certain individuals who have served in high-ranking government positions are also eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This includes former Presidents of the United States, Vice Presidents, and members of Congress who have served at least one term.
Conclusion: Honoring Those Who Served
In conclusion, Arlington National Cemetery is a place of honor and remembrance for those who have served the United States with honor and distinction. The eligibility criteria for burial at the cemetery reflect this commitment to honoring the sacrifices of those who have served their country. By ensuring that only eligible individuals are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, we can ensure that this sacred site remains a fitting tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
