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Arlington National Cemetery: Difference between revisions
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| established = {{start date and age|May 13, 1864}} | | established = {{start date and age|May 13, 1864}} | ||
| country = United States | | country = United States | ||
| location = | | location = Arlington County, Virginia, U.S. | ||
| coordinates = {{Coord|38|52|45|N|77|04|20|W|type:landmark_region:US-VA_scale:10000_source:|display=inline,title}} | | coordinates = {{Coord|38|52|45|N|77|04|20|W|type:landmark_region:US-VA_scale:10000_source:|display=inline,title}} | ||
| map_type = Washington D.C. | | map_type = Washington D.C. | ||
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| politicalgeo = }} | | politicalgeo = }} | ||
[[File:ArlNatCemWomensMilitary-082613.jpg|thumb|An aerial view of Arlington National Cemetery's east entrance and the cemetery's Women's Military Memorial in August 2013]] | [[File:ArlNatCemWomensMilitary-082613.jpg|thumb|An aerial view of Arlington National Cemetery's east entrance and the cemetery's Women's Military Memorial in August 2013]] | ||
'''Arlington National Cemetery''' is the largest cemetery in the [[United States National Cemetery System]], one of two maintained by the [[United States Army]]. Over 400,000 people are buried in its 639 acres (259 ha) in | '''Arlington National Cemetery''' is the largest cemetery in the [[United States National Cemetery System]], one of two maintained by the [[United States Army]]. Over 400,000 people are buried in its 639 acres (259 ha) in Arlington County, Virginia. | ||
Arlington National Cemetery was established on May 13, 1864, during the | Arlington National Cemetery was established on May 13, 1864, during the American Civil War after Arlington Estate, the land on which the cemetery was built, was confiscated by the [[Federal government of the United States|U.S. federal government]] from the private ownership of [[Confederate States Army]] General [[Robert E. Lee]]'s family following a tax dispute over the property. The cemetery is managed by the [[United States Department of the Army|U.S. Department of the Army]]. As of 2024, it conducts approximately 27 to 30 funerals each weekday and between six and eight services on Saturday.<ref>[https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/about "About"] at Arlington National Cemetery</ref> | ||
In April 2014, Arlington National Cemetery Historic District, including Arlington National Cemetery, [[Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial|Arlington House]], Memorial Drive, the [[Military Women's Memorial]], and [[Arlington Memorial Bridge]], was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20140418.htm|title=Weekly list of actions take: 04//07/14 to 04/11/14|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=April 22, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425003531/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20140418.htm|archive-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Adam |last1=Smith |first2=Megan |last2=Tooker |first3=Susan |others=US Army Corps of Engineers, ERDC-CERL, Champaign, Illinois |last3=Enscore |date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904235704/http://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/pdfs/14000146.pdf|archive-date=September 4, 2014|url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/pdfs/14000146.pdf|title=National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: Arlington National Cemetery Historic District|publisher=National Park Service |access-date=March 29, 2015}}</ref> | In April 2014, Arlington National Cemetery Historic District, including Arlington National Cemetery, [[Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial|Arlington House]], Memorial Drive, the [[Military Women's Memorial]], and [[Arlington Memorial Bridge]], was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20140418.htm|title=Weekly list of actions take: 04//07/14 to 04/11/14|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=April 22, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425003531/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20140418.htm|archive-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Adam |last1=Smith |first2=Megan |last2=Tooker |first3=Susan |others=US Army Corps of Engineers, ERDC-CERL, Champaign, Illinois |last3=Enscore |date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904235704/http://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/pdfs/14000146.pdf|archive-date=September 4, 2014|url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/pdfs/14000146.pdf|title=National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: Arlington National Cemetery Historic District|publisher=National Park Service |access-date=March 29, 2015}}</ref> | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
===19th century=== | ===19th century=== | ||
[[File:Officers of 8th New York State Militia, Arlington, Va., June, 1861.jpg|thumb|Officers of the [[8th New York Infantry Regiment]] at [[Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial|Arlington House]] in June 1861, two months after the launch of the | [[File:Officers of 8th New York State Militia, Arlington, Va., June, 1861.jpg|thumb|Officers of the [[8th New York Infantry Regiment]] at [[Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial|Arlington House]] in June 1861, two months after the launch of the American Civil War]] | ||
[[File:Arlington House, Va., June 28, 1864 34815v.jpg|thumb|The Custis-Lee Mansion, originally known as [[Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial|Arlington House]],<ref name=LoC-Arlington/> with [[Union Army]] soldiers on its lawn during the | [[File:Arlington House, Va., June 28, 1864 34815v.jpg|thumb|The Custis-Lee Mansion, originally known as [[Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial|Arlington House]],<ref name=LoC-Arlington/> with [[Union Army]] soldiers on its lawn during the American Civil War on June 28, 1864]] | ||
[[File:Arlington National Cemetery 2012.jpg|thumb|Arlington National Cemetery and the [[Netherlands Carillon]] in December 2012]] | [[File:Arlington National Cemetery 2012.jpg|thumb|Arlington National Cemetery and the [[Netherlands Carillon]] in December 2012]] | ||
[[File:SMA Dunway Burial at Arlington National Cemetery 2008.jpg|thumb|[[3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)|The Old Guard]] transports the flag-draped casket of the second [[Sergeant Major of the Army]], [[George W. Dunaway]], who was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery]] | [[File:SMA Dunway Burial at Arlington National Cemetery 2008.jpg|thumb|[[3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)|The Old Guard]] transports the flag-draped casket of the second [[Sergeant Major of the Army]], [[George W. Dunaway]], who was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery]] | ||
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====American Civil War==== | ====American Civil War==== | ||
{{Further|American Civil War}} | {{Further|American Civil War}} | ||
In April 1861, following the [[Confederate States Army]] bombing of [[Fort Sumter]] in the [[Battle of Fort Sumter]] and the [[Union Army]]'s subsequent surrender of the fort, the American Civil War was launched, and [[Virginia Secession Convention of 1861|Virginia promptly seceded from the Union]]. On April 15, realizing that Fort Sumter's fall left the national capital of [[Washington, D.C.]] highly vulnerable to Confederate attack and occupation, [[Abraham Lincoln|President Lincoln]] [[President Lincoln's 75,000 volunteers|called for 75,000 volunteers]] from around the | In April 1861, following the [[Confederate States Army]] bombing of [[Fort Sumter]] in the [[Battle of Fort Sumter]] and the [[Union Army]]'s subsequent surrender of the fort, the American Civil War was launched, and [[Virginia Secession Convention of 1861|Virginia promptly seceded from the Union]]. On April 15, realizing that Fort Sumter's fall left the national capital of [[Washington, D.C.]] highly vulnerable to Confederate attack and occupation, [[Abraham Lincoln|President Lincoln]] [[President Lincoln's 75,000 volunteers|called for 75,000 volunteers]] from around the Union to help defend it. | ||
Five days after Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers to defend the national capital, on April 20, [[Robert E. Lee]], embracing the cause of Virginia's separation from the | Five days after Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers to defend the national capital, on April 20, [[Robert E. Lee]], embracing the cause of Virginia's separation from the Union, resigned his [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] commission to lead Virginia's separatist armed forces; the following year, on June 1, 1862, Lee was appointed commander of the [[Army of Northern Virginia]], the Confederate Army's primary military force.{{sfn|Warner|1959|p=181}} | ||
When the Civil War commenced, American military personnel who died in battle near [[Washington, D.C.]], were buried at the [[United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery|United States Soldiers' Cemetery]] in Washington, D.C., or [[Alexandria National Cemetery (Virginia)|Alexandria Cemetery]] in [[Alexandria, Virginia]]. By late 1863, however, both cemeteries were nearly full.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=84}} | When the Civil War commenced, American military personnel who died in battle near [[Washington, D.C.]], were buried at the [[United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery|United States Soldiers' Cemetery]] in Washington, D.C., or [[Alexandria National Cemetery (Virginia)|Alexandria Cemetery]] in [[Alexandria, Virginia]]. By late 1863, however, both cemeteries were nearly full.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=84}} | ||
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On July 16, 1862, the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]] passed legislation authorizing the [[Federal government of the United States|U.S. federal government]] to purchase land for national cemeteries for the purpose of burying military dead, and placed the [[Quartermaster General of the United States Army|U.S. Army Quartermaster General]] in charge of this program.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=84}} | On July 16, 1862, the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]] passed legislation authorizing the [[Federal government of the United States|U.S. federal government]] to purchase land for national cemeteries for the purpose of burying military dead, and placed the [[Quartermaster General of the United States Army|U.S. Army Quartermaster General]] in charge of this program.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=84}} | ||
Beginning in 1863, the federal government used the southern portion of the land now occupied by the cemetery as a settlement for freed slaves, giving the land the name "Freedman's Village". The government constructed rental houses that 1,100 to 3,000 freed slaves eventually occupied while farming {{convert|1,100|acres|ha}} of the estate and receiving schooling and occupational training, both during the Civil War and after its end.{{sfn|Schildt|1984|p=}}<ref>(1) {{cite web|title=Freedman's Village |work=Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial|publisher=[[National Park Service]]: [[United States Department of the Interior]] |url=https://www.nps.gov/arho/learn/historyculture/emancipation.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714094821/https://www.nps.gov/arho/learn/historyculture/emancipation.htm|archive-date=July 14, 2016|access-date=September 28, 2016|year=2016}}<br />(2) {{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123151016/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/Minorities/Black-History-at-ANC|archive-date=January 23, 2016 |url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/Minorities/Black-History-at-ANC|title=Black History at Arlington National Cemetery|work=Arlington National Cemetery|publisher=United States Army |location= | Beginning in 1863, the federal government used the southern portion of the land now occupied by the cemetery as a settlement for freed slaves, giving the land the name "Freedman's Village". The government constructed rental houses that 1,100 to 3,000 freed slaves eventually occupied while farming {{convert|1,100|acres|ha}} of the estate and receiving schooling and occupational training, both during the Civil War and after its end.{{sfn|Schildt|1984|p=}}<ref>(1) {{cite web|title=Freedman's Village |work=Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial|publisher=[[National Park Service]]: [[United States Department of the Interior]] |url=https://www.nps.gov/arho/learn/historyculture/emancipation.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714094821/https://www.nps.gov/arho/learn/historyculture/emancipation.htm|archive-date=July 14, 2016|access-date=September 28, 2016|year=2016}}<br />(2) {{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123151016/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/Minorities/Black-History-at-ANC|archive-date=January 23, 2016 |url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/Minorities/Black-History-at-ANC|title=Black History at Arlington National Cemetery|work=Arlington National Cemetery|publisher=United States Army |location=Arlington County, Virginia|access-date=September 26, 2016}}<br />(4) {{cite web |url=https://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=5293|editor=Swain, Craig|title="Freedman's Village: A New Home for African Americans" marker |publisher=HMdb: The Historical Marker Database|access-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226204407/https://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=5293|archive-date=December 26, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
In May 1864, the [[Union Army]] suffered large fatalities in the [[Battle of the Wilderness]]. Quartermaster General [[Montgomery C. Meigs]] ordered a review of eligible sites for the establishment of a large and new national military cemetery. Within weeks, his staff reported that Arlington Estate was the most suitable property in the area.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=84}} The property was located at a relatively high elevation and was typically free from floods capable of unearthing graves, and it was aesthetically pleasing. An additional factor in its selection was likely that it was the residence of Robert E. Lee, a leader in the Confederate States Army, and denying Lee use of his home during and following the war was advantageous to the Union.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=88}} | In May 1864, the [[Union Army]] suffered large fatalities in the [[Battle of the Wilderness]]. Quartermaster General [[Montgomery C. Meigs]] ordered a review of eligible sites for the establishment of a large and new national military cemetery. Within weeks, his staff reported that Arlington Estate was the most suitable property in the area.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=84}} The property was located at a relatively high elevation and was typically free from floods capable of unearthing graves, and it was aesthetically pleasing. An additional factor in its selection was likely that it was the residence of Robert E. Lee, a leader in the Confederate States Army, and denying Lee use of his home during and following the war was advantageous to the Union.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=88}} | ||
On May 13, 1864, [[William Henry Christman]] was buried at Arlington Cemetery,{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=86}} close to what is now the northeast gate in Section 27,{{sfn|Dennee|2012|p=4}} even though Meigs did not formally authorize establishment of burials until the following month, on June 15, 1864.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=85}} Consistent with the practices of many cemeteries in the late 19th century, Arlington Cemetery maintained segregated burial practices. On July 26, 1948, however, [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] | On May 13, 1864, [[William Henry Christman]] was buried at Arlington Cemetery,{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=86}} close to what is now the northeast gate in Section 27,{{sfn|Dennee|2012|p=4}} even though Meigs did not formally authorize establishment of burials until the following month, on June 15, 1864.{{sfn|Hanna|2001|p=85}} Consistent with the practices of many cemeteries in the late 19th century, Arlington Cemetery maintained segregated burial practices. On July 26, 1948, however, [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which formally reversed this practice.{{sfn|Poole|2010|p=191}} | ||
In 1864, with the Civil War still ongoing, the Union acquired Arlington Cemetery for $26,800, {{Inflation|US|26800|1864|fmt=eq}}, after the property was placed for tax sale.<ref name="hughes">{{cite book |title=Bivouac of the Dead |author=Hughes, Mark |year=1995 |publisher=Heritage Books |page=265| isbn=978-0788402609}}</ref> Mrs. Lee did not appear in person for the tax sale, but sent an agent, who attempted to pay the $92.07 allegedly owed in property taxes, {{Inflation|US|92.07|1864|fmt=eq}}, which had been assessed on the estate.<ref name="arlingtoncemetery.org">{{cite web| title=Historical Information| publisher=Arlington National Cemetery| url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/arlington_house.html| access-date=July 29, 2011| url-status=usurped| archive-date=September 13, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913093837/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/arlington_house.html}}</ref> The Union government, however, turned her agent away, and refused to accept the tendered payment. The Washington Chronicle described the Freedmen's Village at Arlington in an article published in September 1864 and recorded at that time, "This cemetery is at present divided into the upper yard and the lower yard. The upper yard contains fourteen hundred graves, and the lower twelve hundred. These graves are marked with wooden slabs, with the exception of one marble slab in the upper and one in the lower yard. As we passed by it, a cortege of five ambulances, containing nine coffins, moved by. Some of the coffins were draped with our colors. The cemetery is as yet enclosed with a wooden fence."<ref>{{Cite web |date=1864-09-16 |title=A Freedmen's Village: The Settlement at Arlington Heights |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-liberator-a-freedmens-village-the/158743475/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | In 1864, with the Civil War still ongoing, the Union acquired Arlington Cemetery for $26,800, {{Inflation|US|26800|1864|fmt=eq}}, after the property was placed for tax sale.<ref name="hughes">{{cite book |title=Bivouac of the Dead |author=Hughes, Mark |year=1995 |publisher=Heritage Books |page=265| isbn=978-0788402609}}</ref> Mrs. Lee did not appear in person for the tax sale, but sent an agent, who attempted to pay the $92.07 allegedly owed in property taxes, {{Inflation|US|92.07|1864|fmt=eq}}, which had been assessed on the estate.<ref name="arlingtoncemetery.org">{{cite web| title=Historical Information| publisher=Arlington National Cemetery| url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/arlington_house.html| access-date=July 29, 2011| url-status=usurped| archive-date=September 13, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913093837/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/arlington_house.html}}</ref> The Union government, however, turned her agent away, and refused to accept the tendered payment. The Washington Chronicle described the Freedmen's Village at Arlington in an article published in September 1864 and recorded at that time, "This cemetery is at present divided into the upper yard and the lower yard. The upper yard contains fourteen hundred graves, and the lower twelve hundred. These graves are marked with wooden slabs, with the exception of one marble slab in the upper and one in the lower yard. As we passed by it, a cortege of five ambulances, containing nine coffins, moved by. Some of the coffins were draped with our colors. The cemetery is as yet enclosed with a wooden fence."<ref>{{Cite web |date=1864-09-16 |title=A Freedmen's Village: The Settlement at Arlington Heights |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-liberator-a-freedmens-village-the/158743475/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
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In 1874, [[George Washington Custis Lee]] sued the [[U.S. federal government]], claiming ownership of the Arlington Cemetery grounds. On December 9, 1882, the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] ruled 5–4 in Lee's favor in ''United States v. Lee'', concluding that the U.S. government seized Arlington Cemetery and its surrounding grounds without affording Lee due process.<ref name="arlingtoncemetery.org"/><ref>{{cite wikisource |title=United States v. Lee Kaufman}}</ref> | In 1874, [[George Washington Custis Lee]] sued the [[U.S. federal government]], claiming ownership of the Arlington Cemetery grounds. On December 9, 1882, the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] ruled 5–4 in Lee's favor in ''United States v. Lee'', concluding that the U.S. government seized Arlington Cemetery and its surrounding grounds without affording Lee due process.<ref name="arlingtoncemetery.org"/><ref>{{cite wikisource |title=United States v. Lee Kaufman}}</ref> | ||
Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision, [[United States Congress|Congress]] abided by the Supreme Court ruling, and returned the estate to Lee. By this time, however, Lee was less interested in obtaining the property than in receiving cash compensation for it. On March 3, 1883, Custis Lee sold it back to the U.S. government for $150,000 ({{Inflation|US|150000|1875|fmt=eq}}) at a signing ceremony with then [[United States Secretary of War|Secretary of War]] [[Robert Todd Lincoln]].<ref name="hughes"/><ref name=explore >{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117100524/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/History/Arlington-House|archive-date=January 17, 2016|date=October 7, 2015|title=Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial |work=Arlington National Cemetery|publisher=United States Army|location= | Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision, [[United States Congress|Congress]] abided by the Supreme Court ruling, and returned the estate to Lee. By this time, however, Lee was less interested in obtaining the property than in receiving cash compensation for it. On March 3, 1883, Custis Lee sold it back to the U.S. government for $150,000 ({{Inflation|US|150000|1875|fmt=eq}}) at a signing ceremony with then [[United States Secretary of War|Secretary of War]] [[Robert Todd Lincoln]].<ref name="hughes"/><ref name=explore >{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117100524/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/History/Arlington-House|archive-date=January 17, 2016|date=October 7, 2015|title=Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial |work=Arlington National Cemetery|publisher=United States Army|location=Arlington County, Virginia |url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/History/Arlington-House |access-date=September 28, 2016}}</ref> The land then became a [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. military]] reservation.{{sfn|Schildt|1984|pp=18–19}} | ||
===20th century=== | ===20th century=== | ||
In 1900, the last remaining residents of the village departed after the [[56th United States Congress]] appropriated $75,000 ({{Inflation|US|75000|1900|fmt=eq}}) to settle the U.S. government's debts to them.{{sfn|Schildt|1984|pp=18–19}} With limited space but large numbers of [[Killed in action|KIAs]] from [[World War II]], | In 1900, the last remaining residents of the village departed after the [[56th United States Congress]] appropriated $75,000 ({{Inflation|US|75000|1900|fmt=eq}}) to settle the U.S. government's debts to them.{{sfn|Schildt|1984|pp=18–19}} With limited space but large numbers of [[Killed in action|KIAs]] from [[World War II]], Korean War, Vietnam War, along with natural deaths from high-ranking military officials, the need for additional burial space at Arlington Cemetery became a challenge and priority to the U.S. government. | ||
On May 30, 1929, [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[Herbert Hoover]] conducted the first national [[Memorial Day]] ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery.<ref name="presidency">{{cite web| author=John T. Wolley and Gerhard Peters| url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=22129| title=Herbert Hoover: Memorial Day Address at Arlington National Cemetery| publisher=The American Presidency Project [online]| access-date=May 26, 2010| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081116070038/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=22129| archive-date=November 16, 2008}}</ref> | On May 30, 1929, [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[Herbert Hoover]] conducted the first national [[Memorial Day]] ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery.<ref name="presidency">{{cite web| author=John T. Wolley and Gerhard Peters| url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=22129| title=Herbert Hoover: Memorial Day Address at Arlington National Cemetery| publisher=The American Presidency Project [online]| access-date=May 26, 2010| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081116070038/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=22129| archive-date=November 16, 2008}}</ref> | ||
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====2010 mismanagement controversy==== | ====2010 mismanagement controversy==== | ||
{{main|Arlington National Cemetery mismanagement controversy}} | {{main|Arlington National Cemetery mismanagement controversy}} | ||
On June 9, 2010, United States Secretary of the Army [[John M. McHugh]] reprimanded the cemetery's superintendent, John C. Metzler, Jr., and his deputy, Thurman Higgenbotham, after a [[Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense|DOD inspector general]]'s report revealed that cemetery officials had placed the wrong headstones on tombs, buried coffins in shallow graves, and buried bodies on top of one another. Metzler, who had already announced his intention to retire on July 2, 2010, admitted some mistakes had been made but denied allegations of widespread or serious mismanagement.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jun-11-la-na-arlington-cemetery-20100611-story.html| author=Julian E. Barnes| title=Arlington National Cemetery's top supervisors ousted in mismanagement case| work= | On June 9, 2010, United States Secretary of the Army [[John M. McHugh]] reprimanded the cemetery's superintendent, John C. Metzler, Jr., and his deputy, Thurman Higgenbotham, after a [[Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense|DOD inspector general]]'s report revealed that cemetery officials had placed the wrong headstones on tombs, buried coffins in shallow graves, and buried bodies on top of one another. Metzler, who had already announced his intention to retire on July 2, 2010, admitted some mistakes had been made but denied allegations of widespread or serious mismanagement.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jun-11-la-na-arlington-cemetery-20100611-story.html| author=Julian E. Barnes| title=Arlington National Cemetery's top supervisors ousted in mismanagement case| work=Los Angeles Times| date=June 11, 2010| access-date=July 29, 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111122056/http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/11/nation/la-na-arlington-cemetery-20100611| archive-date=January 11, 2012}}</ref> The investigation also found that cemetery employees were burdened in their day-to-day work by "dysfunctional management, lack of established policy and procedures, and an overall unhealthy organizational climate."<ref>{{cite news| author=William H. McMichael| title= Errors at Arlington affected 211 graves| url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/06/military_arlington_cemetery_061010w| work=[[Army Times]] |date=June 10, 2010| access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Arlington Cemetery superintendent retiring| author=Associated Press| work=Army Times| date=June 9, 2010| url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/06/ap_arlington_cemetery_060910w| access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref> Both Metzler and Higgenbotham retired soon after the investigation commenced.<ref>{{cite news| author=Aaron C. Davis| title=Arlington Cemetery's Deputy Chief Retires Amid Investigation| newspaper=The Washington Post| date=July 14, 2010| page=B1| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/13/AR2010071306344.html| access-date=July 29, 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131133446/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/13/AR2010071306344.html| archive-date=January 31, 2011}}</ref> | ||
In March 2011, as a result of the problems discovered, Kathryn Condon, the recently appointed executive director of the Army National Military Cemeteries, announced that the cemetery's staff had been increased from 102 to 159. She added that the cemetery was also acquiring additional equipment because, "They didn't have the proper equipment to do the job really to the standard they needed to do."<ref>{{cite news| author=Christian Davenport| title=For first time in decades, Arlington National Cemetery must bury multiple 'unknowns'| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/06/AR2011030603633.html| newspaper=The Washington Post| date=March 7, 2011| page=1| access-date=July 29, 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602081704/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/06/AR2011030603633.html| archive-date=June 2, 2012}}</ref> | In March 2011, as a result of the problems discovered, Kathryn Condon, the recently appointed executive director of the Army National Military Cemeteries, announced that the cemetery's staff had been increased from 102 to 159. She added that the cemetery was also acquiring additional equipment because, "They didn't have the proper equipment to do the job really to the standard they needed to do."<ref>{{cite news| author=Christian Davenport| title=For first time in decades, Arlington National Cemetery must bury multiple 'unknowns'| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/06/AR2011030603633.html| newspaper=The Washington Post| date=March 7, 2011| page=1| access-date=July 29, 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602081704/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/06/AR2011030603633.html| archive-date=June 2, 2012}}</ref> | ||
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Other unknown servicemen were later placed in crypts there, and it also became known as the Tomb of the Unknowns, though it has never been officially named. The soldiers entombed there are: | Other unknown servicemen were later placed in crypts there, and it also became known as the Tomb of the Unknowns, though it has never been officially named. The soldiers entombed there are: | ||
* Unknown Soldier of | * Unknown Soldier of World War I, entombed November 11, 1921; President [[Warren G. Harding]] presided | ||
* Unknown Soldier of [[World War II]], interred May 30, 1958; President | * Unknown Soldier of [[World War II]], interred May 30, 1958; President Dwight D. Eisenhower presided | ||
* Unknown Soldier of the | * Unknown Soldier of the Korean War, also interred May 30, 1958; President Dwight Eisenhower presided again, Vice President [[Richard Nixon]] acted as next of kin | ||
* Unknown Soldier of the | * Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War, interred May 28, 1984; President [[Ronald Reagan]] presided. The remains of the Vietnam Unknown were disinterred, under the authority of President [[Bill Clinton]], on May 14, 1998, and were identified as those of Air Force first Lt. [[Michael Blassie|Michael J. Blassie]], whose family had them reinterred near their home in [[St. Louis, Missouri]]. It has been determined that the crypt at the Tomb of the Unknowns that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain empty. | ||
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been perpetually guarded since July 2, 1937, by the U.S. Army. The [[3rd United States Infantry Regiment (TOG)|3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment]] ("The Old Guard") began guarding the Tomb on April 6, 1948. There is a meticulous routine that the guard follows when watching over the graves.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925062923/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/ChangingofTheGuard.aspx |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/ChangingofTheGuard.aspx |title=The Changing of the Guard |location=Arlington County, Virginia |publisher=Arlington National Cemetery |access-date=January 21, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Tomb Guard: | The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been perpetually guarded since July 2, 1937, by the U.S. Army. The [[3rd United States Infantry Regiment (TOG)|3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment]] ("The Old Guard") began guarding the Tomb on April 6, 1948. There is a meticulous routine that the guard follows when watching over the graves.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925062923/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/ChangingofTheGuard.aspx |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/ChangingofTheGuard.aspx |title=The Changing of the Guard |location=Arlington County, Virginia |publisher=Arlington National Cemetery |access-date=January 21, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Tomb Guard: | ||
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The [[Space Shuttle]] ''[[Space Shuttle Challenger|Challenger]]'' Memorial was dedicated on May 20, 1986, in memory of the crew of flight [[STS-51-L]], who [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster|died during launch]] on January 28, 1986. Transcribed on the back of the stone is the text of the [[John Gillespie Magee, Jr.]] poem ''High Flight'', which was quoted by then President Ronald Reagan when he addressed the disaster. Although many remains were identified and returned to the families for private burial, some were not, and were laid to rest under the marker. Two crew members, [[Dick Scobee]] and [[Michael J. Smith (astronaut)|Michael Smith]], are buried in Arlington. On February 1, 2004, [[NASA]] Administrator [[Sean O'Keefe]] dedicated a similar memorial to those who died when the Shuttle ''[[Space Shuttle Columbia|Columbia]]'' [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|broke apart during reentry]] on February 1, 2003.<ref name="NASA">{{cite web| title=Columbia Memorial Dedicated at Arlington| publisher=NASA| url=http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/home/F_04_Memorials.html| access-date=July 29, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918002921/http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/home/F_04_Memorials.html| archive-date=September 18, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref> Astronauts [[Laurel Clark]], [[David M. Brown|David Brown]], and [[Michael P. Anderson|Michael Anderson]], who were killed in the ''Columbia'' disaster, are also buried in Arlington. | The [[Space Shuttle]] ''[[Space Shuttle Challenger|Challenger]]'' Memorial was dedicated on May 20, 1986, in memory of the crew of flight [[STS-51-L]], who [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster|died during launch]] on January 28, 1986. Transcribed on the back of the stone is the text of the [[John Gillespie Magee, Jr.]] poem ''High Flight'', which was quoted by then President Ronald Reagan when he addressed the disaster. Although many remains were identified and returned to the families for private burial, some were not, and were laid to rest under the marker. Two crew members, [[Dick Scobee]] and [[Michael J. Smith (astronaut)|Michael Smith]], are buried in Arlington. On February 1, 2004, [[NASA]] Administrator [[Sean O'Keefe]] dedicated a similar memorial to those who died when the Shuttle ''[[Space Shuttle Columbia|Columbia]]'' [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|broke apart during reentry]] on February 1, 2003.<ref name="NASA">{{cite web| title=Columbia Memorial Dedicated at Arlington| publisher=NASA| url=http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/home/F_04_Memorials.html| access-date=July 29, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918002921/http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/home/F_04_Memorials.html| archive-date=September 18, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref> Astronauts [[Laurel Clark]], [[David M. Brown|David Brown]], and [[Michael P. Anderson|Michael Anderson]], who were killed in the ''Columbia'' disaster, are also buried in Arlington. | ||
The Lockerbie Cairn is a memorial to the 270 killed in the bombing of [[Pan Am Flight 103]] over [[Lockerbie]], Scotland. The memorial is constructed of 270 stones, one for each person killed in the disaster. In section 64, a memorial to the 184 victims of the | The Lockerbie Cairn is a memorial to the 270 killed in the bombing of [[Pan Am Flight 103]] over [[Lockerbie]], Scotland. The memorial is constructed of 270 stones, one for each person killed in the disaster. In section 64, a memorial to the 184 victims of the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon was dedicated September 11, 2002. The memorial takes the shape of a pentagon, and lists the names of all the victims that were killed. Unidentified remains from the victims are buried beneath it.<ref name="Pentagon">{{cite news| title=Remains of Pentagon Attack Victims Buried at Arlington| url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=43465| work=American Forces Press Service| publisher=Department of Defense| author=Jim Garamone| date=September 12, 2002| access-date=July 27, 2011| archive-date=June 8, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608235447/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=43465| url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On June 25, 1925, President [[Calvin Coolidge]] approved a request to erect a Commonwealth [[Cross of Sacrifice]] with the names of all the citizens of the United States who died fighting in the Canadian forces during World War I. The monument was dedicated November 11, 1927, and after the Korean War and World War II the names of US citizens who died in those conflicts were added. | On June 25, 1925, President [[Calvin Coolidge]] approved a request to erect a Commonwealth [[Cross of Sacrifice]] with the names of all the citizens of the United States who died fighting in the Canadian forces during World War I. The monument was dedicated November 11, 1927, and after the Korean War and World War II the names of US citizens who died in those conflicts were added. | ||
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* Any former member of the armed forces separated honorably prior to October 1, 1949, for medical reasons and who was rated at 30% or greater disabled effective on the day of discharge | * Any former member of the armed forces separated honorably prior to October 1, 1949, for medical reasons and who was rated at 30% or greater disabled effective on the day of discharge | ||
* Any former member of the armed forces who has been awarded one of the following decorations: | * Any former member of the armed forces who has been awarded one of the following decorations: | ||
Medal of Honor | |||
[[Distinguished Service Cross (United States)|Distinguished Service Cross]], [[Navy Cross]], or [[Air Force Cross (United States)|Air Force Cross]] | [[Distinguished Service Cross (United States)|Distinguished Service Cross]], [[Navy Cross]], or [[Air Force Cross (United States)|Air Force Cross]] | ||
[[Silver Star]] | [[Silver Star]] | ||
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{{Main|List of burials at Arlington National Cemetery}} | {{Main|List of burials at Arlington National Cemetery}} | ||
[[File:USA-Arlington National Cemetery2.jpg|thumb|right|The grave marker of President [[John F. Kennedy]]]] | [[File:USA-Arlington National Cemetery2.jpg|thumb|right|The grave marker of President [[John F. Kennedy]]]] | ||
The first soldier to be buried in Arlington was Private [[William Henry Christman]] of [[Pennsylvania]] on May 13, 1864.<ref>{{cite web| title=Arlington National Cemetery Section 27 facts| publisher=Arlington National Cemetery| url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/section_27_facts.html| access-date=April 25, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090314040532/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/section_27_facts.html| archive-date= March 14, 2009| url-status=usurped}}</ref> There are 396 | The first soldier to be buried in Arlington was Private [[William Henry Christman]] of [[Pennsylvania]] on May 13, 1864.<ref>{{cite web| title=Arlington National Cemetery Section 27 facts| publisher=Arlington National Cemetery| url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/section_27_facts.html| access-date=April 25, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090314040532/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/section_27_facts.html| archive-date= March 14, 2009| url-status=usurped}}</ref> There are 396 Medal of Honor recipients buried in Arlington National Cemetery.<ref>{{cite web|title=Medal of Honor Walking Tour |url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/portals/0/Docs/NewsReleases/Medal%20of%20Honor%20Walking%20Tour.pdf |website=arlingtoncemetery.mil|publisher=U.S. Army|access-date=April 24, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224031743/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/portals/0/Docs/NewsReleases/Medal%20of%20Honor%20Walking%20Tour.pdf|archive-date=December 24, 2016}}</ref> | ||
Five [[state funeral]]s have been held at Arlington: those of Presidents [[William Howard Taft]] and [[John F. Kennedy]], his two brothers, [[United States Senator|Senator]] [[Robert F. Kennedy]] and Senator [[Ted Kennedy|Edward "Ted" Kennedy]], as well as [[General of the Armies]] [[John J. Pershing]]. Whether or not they were wartime service members, [[President of the United States|U.S. presidents]] are eligible to be buried at Arlington, since they oversaw the armed forces as [[Commander-in-chief|commanders-in-chief]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Arlington National Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act |url=https://www.congress.gov/105/crpt/hrpt458/CRPT-105hrpt458.pdf |website=congress.gov |publisher=United States Congress |access-date=July 4, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184631/https://www.congress.gov/105/crpt/hrpt458/CRPT-105hrpt458.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | Five [[state funeral]]s have been held at Arlington: those of Presidents [[William Howard Taft]] and [[John F. Kennedy]], his two brothers, [[United States Senator|Senator]] [[Robert F. Kennedy]] and Senator [[Ted Kennedy|Edward "Ted" Kennedy]], as well as [[General of the Armies]] [[John J. Pershing]]. Whether or not they were wartime service members, [[President of the United States|U.S. presidents]] are eligible to be buried at Arlington, since they oversaw the armed forces as [[Commander-in-chief|commanders-in-chief]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Arlington National Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act |url=https://www.congress.gov/105/crpt/hrpt458/CRPT-105hrpt458.pdf |website=congress.gov |publisher=United States Congress |access-date=July 4, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184631/https://www.congress.gov/105/crpt/hrpt458/CRPT-105hrpt458.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
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===Bicycle use=== | ===Bicycle use=== | ||
Pursuant to the Department of the Army final rule established in 2016,<ref>(1) {{cite journal |author=Department of the Army, Department of Defense |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/26/2016-23087/army-national-military-cemeteries |title=81 FR 65875: Final rule: Amendments to 32 CFR 553.33 (Visitors rules for Army National Military Cemeteries)|quote=(c) ... Specifically, no person shall: .... (8) Ride a bicycle or similar conveyance in an Army National Military Cemetery, except with a proper pass issued by the Executive Director to visit a gravesite or niche. An individual visiting a relative's gravesite or niche may be issued a temporary pass by the Executive Director to proceed directly to and from the gravesite or niche on a bicycle or similar vehicle or conveyance.|pages=65875–65888|journal=[[Federal Register]]|volume=81|date=September 26, 2016|access-date=July 17, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717205123/https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/26/2016-23087/army-national-military-cemeteries|archive-date=July 17, 2017}}<br />(2) {{cite news|last=Wentling|first=Nikki|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/arlington-national-cemetery-to-impose-bicycle-ban-1.434693|title=Arlington National Cemetery to impose bicycle ban|newspaper=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]|date=October 18, 2016|quote=Bicyclists will no longer be allowed to ride through the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery under a new policy that's set to start next week despite protest from local officials and bicycle groups. Bicyclists disrupt funeral services, affect other visitors' experiences and pose safety concerns, the Army said in an announcement of the new rule, which goes into effect Oct. 26. But the Arlington County Board and bicycle advocacy organizations in Arlington and nearby Fairfax County argued cyclists using the cemetery do so respectfully.|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717205551/https://www.stripes.com/news/arlington-national-cemetery-to-impose-bicycle-ban-1.434693#.WW0kjdyQy70 |archive-date=July 17, 2017}}</ref> the cemetery's bicycle policy states bicycling presents a potential safety hazard, and is only allowed on its grounds with a family pass.<ref>(1) {{cite web|url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Getting-Here/Getting-Around/Bicycle-Use-Policy|title=Bicycle Use Policy|date=October 26, 2016|publisher=Arlington National Cemetery, United States Army|location= | Pursuant to the Department of the Army final rule established in 2016,<ref>(1) {{cite journal |author=Department of the Army, Department of Defense |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/26/2016-23087/army-national-military-cemeteries |title=81 FR 65875: Final rule: Amendments to 32 CFR 553.33 (Visitors rules for Army National Military Cemeteries)|quote=(c) ... Specifically, no person shall: .... (8) Ride a bicycle or similar conveyance in an Army National Military Cemetery, except with a proper pass issued by the Executive Director to visit a gravesite or niche. An individual visiting a relative's gravesite or niche may be issued a temporary pass by the Executive Director to proceed directly to and from the gravesite or niche on a bicycle or similar vehicle or conveyance.|pages=65875–65888|journal=[[Federal Register]]|volume=81|date=September 26, 2016|access-date=July 17, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717205123/https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/26/2016-23087/army-national-military-cemeteries|archive-date=July 17, 2017}}<br />(2) {{cite news|last=Wentling|first=Nikki|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/arlington-national-cemetery-to-impose-bicycle-ban-1.434693|title=Arlington National Cemetery to impose bicycle ban|newspaper=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]|date=October 18, 2016|quote=Bicyclists will no longer be allowed to ride through the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery under a new policy that's set to start next week despite protest from local officials and bicycle groups. Bicyclists disrupt funeral services, affect other visitors' experiences and pose safety concerns, the Army said in an announcement of the new rule, which goes into effect Oct. 26. But the Arlington County Board and bicycle advocacy organizations in Arlington and nearby Fairfax County argued cyclists using the cemetery do so respectfully.|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717205551/https://www.stripes.com/news/arlington-national-cemetery-to-impose-bicycle-ban-1.434693#.WW0kjdyQy70 |archive-date=July 17, 2017}}</ref> the cemetery's bicycle policy states bicycling presents a potential safety hazard, and is only allowed on its grounds with a family pass.<ref>(1) {{cite web|url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Getting-Here/Getting-Around/Bicycle-Use-Policy|title=Bicycle Use Policy|date=October 26, 2016|publisher=Arlington National Cemetery, United States Army|location=Arlington County, Virginia|access-date=July 17, 2017|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717205926/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Getting-Here/Getting-Around/Bicycle-Use-Policy|archive-date=July 17, 2017}} <br />(2) {{cite web|last=Kelleher |first=Colleen |url=http://wtop.com/arlington/2016/10/bikes-pets-banned-from-arlington-national-cemetery/|title=Bikes, pets banned from Arlington National Cemetery|work=Arlington VA News|publisher=[[WTOP-FM|WTOP]]|date=October 26, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717210120/http://wtop.com/arlington/2016/10/bikes-pets-banned-from-arlington-national-cemetery/|archive-date=July 17, 2017}}</ref> | ||
===Security procedures=== | ===Security procedures=== | ||