Are Spouses Allowed to Be Buried at Arlington?
The question of whether spouses are allowed to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery is one that often arises, especially for families of veterans who have lost their loved ones. Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most hallowed grounds in the United States, serving as the final resting place for many of our nation’s heroes. However, the eligibility criteria for burial at Arlington are stringent, and not all veterans’ spouses are permitted to be interred there. This article aims to shed light on the rules and regulations surrounding this matter.
Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864 to provide a final resting place for Union soldiers who had fought in the Civil War. Over the years, it has expanded to accommodate the remains of veterans from all branches of the U.S. military, as well as their eligible family members. The cemetery is a symbol of our nation’s gratitude to those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
To be eligible for burial at Arlington, a veteran must have been killed in action or have been awarded a Purple Heart, a Silver Star, or a Distinguished Service Cross. Additionally, veterans who have served at least 20 years in the military and were retired at the time of their death are also eligible. However, for spouses to be buried at Arlington, they must meet certain criteria as well.
Spouses of veterans who meet the above criteria are generally allowed to be buried at Arlington, provided they were married to the veteran for at least one year and had no other descendants. In cases where the veteran predeceased the spouse, the spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least 10 years. Furthermore, the spouse must not have remarried after the veteran’s death.
It is important to note that space at Arlington National Cemetery is limited, and the cemetery follows a strict order of precedence when determining who will be buried there. This means that, even if a spouse meets the eligibility criteria, they may not be buried at Arlington if there are other eligible veterans with a higher priority.
In conclusion, while the question of whether spouses are allowed to be buried at Arlington is a complex one, the answer is generally yes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The cemetery serves as a sacred place of honor for our nation’s heroes, and the process of determining who can be buried there is designed to ensure that those who have made the greatest sacrifices are remembered and honored accordingly.
