Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is one of America’s oldest national cemeteries and is described as “the nation’s most hallowed ground.”

Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Office of Army Cemeteries (OAC), which is also responsible for the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Arlington has more than 600 acres and holds up to 30 funeral services per day. More than 400,000 people are buried here.

History Of Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is situated on land owned by Martha Washington’s grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, who left the land to his daughter when he died. That daughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, was married to Robert E. Lee. Yes, that Robert E. Lee.

The estate was left vacant when the Civil War began and was eventually occupied by Union troops. The site was at least partly used to assist former slaves transitioning to life as free Americans.

But the pace of the Civil War meant military funerals had taken a sharp uptick, and the site became a burial ground for war dead. The first military burial occurred at Arlington on May 13, 1864, for Private William Christman.

In June of the same year, the War Department set aside some 200 acres at Arlington for official use as a cemetery, and the federal government eventually compensated the Lee estate for the land.

Burial Eligibility for Arlington National Cemetery

ANC has some of the most strict requirements of all American national cemeteries. Arlington burial eligibility is determined at the time of need, with no reservations accepted.

There are two types of placement at Arlington National Cemetery: above-ground and in-ground. Those who wish to be laid to rest above ground in either the Niche Wall or Columbarium Courtyard must generally meet the following requirements:

• Must have at least one day of active service outside training
• Must have an Honorable discharge

For in-ground burial, the following requirements will apply as appropriate:

• The service member died while on Title 10 Federal Active Duty other than for training
• The veteran was retired from active duty and receiving retirement pay
• The veteran received Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, or Purple Heart
• Any former prisoner of war whose last period of service terminated honorably; and who died on or after Nov. 30, 1993

Arlington National Cemetery does not charge fees for an interment or inurnment at the cemetery.

There are “potential costs to the estate” for a burial vault. In general, “All costs associated” with the preparation of the remains, casket/urn, and transportation of the remains to the Washington, D.C. area are at the expense of the estate unless the deceased was on active duty with a branch of the Armed Forces.

Funeral Services at Arlington National Cemetery

Pre-need arrangements are not possible at ANC. The process for determining eligibility begins at the time of need. For burial at ANC, the surviving family members should call or have the funeral director call Arlington National Cemetery at 1-877-907-8585 to make arrangements.

Scheduling is a complicated process, and waiting times may be in effect. ANC officials say that one factor in the speed of processing such requests is the family’s ability to obtain crucial documents such as the veteran’s DD Form 214 and other documents to confirm military service and the nature of the veteran’s discharge.

When a family’s first call comes in, ANC assigns tracking numbers to the family, and ANC staff begin work to confirm eligibility. The family is responsible for providing the service member’s eligibility documents. A service will not be scheduled until all required documents are received.

Receiving a military funeral service at ANC relies heavily on the following factors:

• The type of remains, and
• Military resources available, and
• Preferences of the individual family

As mentioned above, ANC holds roughly 30 funerals per day. Officials want families to know that you will be put on a waitlist.

Note: Exceptions are made for “current-conflict active duty service members killed in action or who died of wounds.” Those burials can be accommodated within two weeks of the date of death.

Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Etiquette

Arlington National Cemetery is a place of deep respect, reflection, and honor. Millions come to ANC to pay their respects or attend services. Since ANC is an active cemetery, there are a few rules to help maintain the solemn atmosphere.

1. Keep it quiet: Whether you’re listening to something on your phone or chatting with your group, please keep the volume down. Consider using headphones to ensure your experience doesn’t disturb others.
2. Enjoy the space respectfully: Feel free to explore the cemetery and even walk on the grass to find a grave or attend a public ceremony. However, running, climbing, biking, playing sports, or picnicking are off-limits here.
3. Leave pets at home: Only service animals and military working dogs are allowed on the grounds.
4. Respect the property: The monuments, gravestones, and plants are part of Arlington’s rich history. Please don’t sit on or damage these features; they are sacred and protected.
5. Be mindful of funerals: If you come across a funeral procession, step aside and wait until it passes. If your visit brings you near an ongoing service, please move to a different area.
6. Honor the flag: When a flag is used during a ceremony or when Taps is played, civilians should place their right hand over their heart. Military service members and veterans are invited to salute.
7. Stay hydrated: ANC is large, so in the summer, it is encouraged to bring bottled water to combat the heat. You can also buy it at the Welcome Center or use water fountains throughout the grounds. Do not drink from spigots, because the water isn’t safe to drink.
8. Check before you go: Before your visit, please take a moment to review our safety guidelines and security procedures, including the 100% ID check.
9. Accessibility: All visitors are welcome, including those with disabilities. While it doesn’t provide wheelchairs or strollers, you can bring your own.

Visitor rules: Arlington’s visitor guidelines are in the Code of Federal Regulations, 32 CFR § 553.33.

Media Policy/Guidelines for Arlington National Cemetery

Most forms of media (traditional like TV and newspapers and digital forms like blogs and podcasts) are allowed at ANC, but they must be approved beforehand. The Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries (ANMC) oversees media policies and has the final say on media access. The ANMC Public Affairs Office (PAO) handles day-to-day media interactions.

Media requests must be submitted at least 72 hours before covering events at ANC. Requests are evaluated based on their relevance to the cemetery and whether they respect its sanctity.

Filming or photography is allowed if it aligns with ANC’s mission and doesn’t disrupt operations or visitors. However, filming for political or commercial purposes is strictly banned. Media can’t cover private services without permission from the deceased’s family. Also, family-hired photographers get priority. Only family-hired photographers can use certain filming equipment like drones, GoPros, or 360 cameras, and they’re only allowed during funerals. 

All media must follow PAO guidance, stay in designated areas, and show proper ID. Stand-ups or interviews on cemetery grounds are only allowed with prior approval. Media covering public ceremonies must coordinate with ANMC PAO and follow strict guidelines, including no live streaming except at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Wreath Ceremony Dress Code

When participating in ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or other wreath-laying ceremonies, it’s important to dress appropriately for such a respectful occasion. 

Men: Think business casual. A collared shirt (like a dress shirt or polo) and trousers (khakis or something in blue, green, brown, or black) are the minimum. You can also add a blazer or jacket and a tie if you’d like.

Women: A knee-length skirt or trousers (not denim) paired with a top that covers your shoulders (like a blouse, dress shirt, or sweater) works well. You can also opt for an informal dress, as long as it’s the right length.

School uniforms: These are fine as long as an adult from the school confirms the outfit is in line with the school’s uniform policy.

Avoid Wearing: 

• Blue jeans or any denim
• Ripped or patched clothing
• Athletic wear
• Shorts (unless they’re part of a uniform, like a scout or school uniform)
• Tee shirts, tank tops, or halter tops
• Clothing that shows your midriff or underwear as outerwear
• Miniskirts
• Sneakers
• Open-toed shoes (though nice sandals are okay in warmer weather, just no flip-flops)

Leaving Flowers and Tributes At Arlington National Cemetery

ANC prohibits certain items from being taken to or left by the graveside. These include:

• Ammunition
• Alcohol
• Knives
• Statues
• Vigil lights
• Flags
• Any glass objects

You are permitted to leave flowers and tributes that meet ANC guidelines, which include but may not be limited to the following:

• Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time.
• Artificial flowers may be placed on gravesites from Oct. 10 through April 15.
• Flowers may be placed at the bottom of a column at the niche wall.
• Flowers may be placed in the columbarium.
• The government does not assume any responsibility for damaged or missing flowers or tributes.
• Permanent flower containers are no longer authorized for placement.
• Planting is not allowed.
• Potted plants are permitted seven days before and seven days after Easter Sunday.
• Wreaths are permitted from Dec. 1 through Jan. 31.
• Grave blankets and Christmas trees are prohibited.
• Affixing or attaching any item to a headstone or niche cover is prohibited.

If you aren’t sure whether your flowers, tribute or other items are permitted to be left at the cemetery, call 877-907-8585 for more information.