Don’t turn away older veterans
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is the final resting place for some of America’s greatest heroes. But the former estate of Robert E. Lee slowly is running out of space, and heroic service on foreign fields of battle might not be sufficient for admission. It’s neither a goal nor expectation that the cemetery remain open forever. However, the cemetery gates, open since 1864, will shut for new burials in just 25 years without action by Congress.
The 355,000-plus member association I lead, and many similar others, is trying to preserve the meaning and integrity of burial at ANC. According to a 2017 report to Congress, one proposed option limits inground burials to combat deaths and Medal of Honor recipients. The answer for many others would be above-ground inurnment. While setting aside space is agreeable, it isn’t a complete strategy, nor does it address current and projected demand and the inevitable final call when space runs out.
Expanding the cemetery footprint is the preferred course of action, say the majority of veterans. It simultaneously preserves the sanctity of ANC and prolongs its inevitable closure. If adjacent land cannot be acquired, we should consider an “Arlington Annex” at an appropriate location with a strong military connection or national significance.
And because procuring land takes time and money, the process must start sooner rather than later.
There is an undeniable, emotional draw for burial at ANC. Expectations, validated by current rules, would be shattered if a veteran’s expected resting place were taken away to make room for someone else not yet born. Two-thirds of our members polled suggested eligibility restrictions should not be the first option.
Arlington National Cemetery is a place “where dignity and honor rest in solemn repose.” All who serve with dignity and honor earn their place. Let’s initiate positive action to ensure heroes forged early in life command esteem at the end of life. I urge pursuit of all expansion options before we summarily apply restrictive criteria and start turning away older veterans who planned to be interred at Arlington.