Arlington Cemetery

Under present eligibility rules for burials, the cemetery is slated to run out of space in a little over 20 years. Despite recent efforts to provide additional space, “we cannot expand our way out of this problem,” said Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent Katharine Kelley.The new survey – available at www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/eligibility-survey – will be the second in recent years. It is open to all, not simply those who might be eligible to be interred there.“Your opinion matters, not only to us, but to our military and civilian leaders as they face a difficult future for our hallowed national shrine,” said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries.Last year, cemetery officials conducted their first survey, which drew nearly 30,000 responses. According to Army officials, there was wide agreement that the cemetery should be kept open for future burials well into the future.“They also communicated that – if eligibility at ANC is limited – those killed in action, Medal of Honor and other high-award recipients, former POWs, and those active-duty service members who die on operational missions should have a place,” officials said.Arlington County Board chairman Katie Cristol, when apprised of the engagement effort, said she was pleased.“This discussion on the longer-term vision on the future of the cemetery is essential, and we applaud the Army for commencing this effort and including the public in the conversation,” Cristol told the Sun Gazette.Arlington officials and military leaders have through the years agreed to several boundary tweaks, in part to provide more space for burials. But, as is the case with military officials, Arlington leaders acknowledge that ultimate capacity at Arlington National Cemetery is limited.The cemetery, located adjacent to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, finds itself largely land-locked. And at the current pace of burials, each additional acre of land that is carved out would only increase the useful l... (Inside NoVA)