The heavy plastic container provided by most crematories is acceptable for ground burial or for inurnment in the Columbarium. However, most Veterans, who have at least one day of active service for other than training and an Honorable Discharge, are eligible for above-ground inurnment. Currently, any service member who dies on active duty, a former prisoner of war, highly decorated military member or retiree is eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery. It consists of seven pieces, with a total weight of 79 short tons (72 metric tons). If a long chapel service is anticipated, it should be conducted in the family church or at the funeral home. Charles Alexander, Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery has directed the wear of face coverings while in locations within the cemetery where people cannot maintain a six-foot social distance, specifically in the administration building (family rooms, restrooms) and during funeral services. Answer: The cemetery staff will advise the next-of-kin or funeral director of the available military honors and body bearers (pall bearers) and will schedule them for the service. Question: Can we use our family minister for the chapel service and at the gravesite? The proposed changes would limit burials to around 700 and inurnments to 1,950 each year. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands on top of a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. One of the more well-attended sites at the cemetery, the tomb is made from Yule marble quarried in Colorado. Funeral suppliers and manufacturers are slowly recovering from increased demand and product shortages caused by the pandemic. For active duty personnel, an active duty statement is required. Any active duty member of the Armed Forces (except those members serving on active duty for training only). "There's no role for the U.S. military in determining the outcome of a U.S. election," the Joint Chiefs chairman said. For Army and Marine 0-6 and higher, the riderless horse is used. In brief, the following is available but can be modified if the family does not desire part or all of the honors: Spouses, minor Children, and dependent adult Children of the persons listed above. Any former member of the Armed Forces who has been awarded one of the following decorations: Persons who have held any of the following positions provided their last period of active duty (other than for training) as a member of the Armed Forces terminated honorably: An elective office of the United States Government. The tomb was completed and opened to the public April 9, 1932, at a cost of $48,000. The fax number is (703) 607-8583. An office listed in 5 U.S.C. Soldiers who die while on active duty, retired members of the Armed Forces, and certain Veterans and Family members are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. For cremated remains, the urn can be hand carried or shipped to a local funeral director for delivery to Arlington on the day of the service or up to three working days prior to the service. Answer: No. Eligibility for Inurnment in the Columbarium or Niche Wall. Soldiers who die while on active duty, retired members of the Armed Forces, and certain Veterans and Family members are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. TRANSCOM undertook the research in order to determine the safety of DoD-contracted Patriot Express. Most Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington National Cemetery Interments. Question: What is the cost to the family to have a family member interred in Arlington National Cemetery? The Army also says that restricting the eligibility of active-duty members for burial in Arlington to those killed in combat or combat support operations would affect approximately 43 service members each year. Answer: We do not make prearrangements. For casketed remains, the funeral home will provide the hearse, the casketed remains (flag draped, if a veteran), and a transfer permit (if crossing state lines). Dependents with no military service - The appropriate military branch of service will provide body (pall) bearers. An inurnment is the placing of a deceased person's cremated remains in an above-ground columbarium or wall; a burial is the placement of a body or ashes into the ground. When requested, the cemetery staff will provide a military chaplain and will schedule the chapel. Question: How do I arrange for the military honors, the chapel, a chaplain, or pall bearers? However, upon the first demise the surviving spouse or parent of the child should go to the local funeral home to make arrangements for any desired funeral services in your area. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Family and friends will be required to drive from the administration building or chapel to the gravesite. Answer: Yes. Question: Can I have a chapel service at Fort Myer? Question: Is there a special container required for interment or inurnment or a cremated remains? Question: What is needed on the day of the service? ), https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Scheduling-a-Funeral/Establishing-Eligibility, https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Scheduling-a-Funeral/Establishing-Eligibility/Ground-Burial, https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Scheduling-a-Funeral/Establishing-Eligibility/Columbarium-or-Niche-Wall, Arlington National Cemetery Brochure: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Portals/0/Web%20Final%20PDF%20of%20Brochure%20March%202015.pdf, Index A Spouse divorced from the primary eligible, or Widowed and remarried, is not eligible for interment.