Posted on Sep 8, 2022
What’s Next for Proposed Arlington Cemetery Eligibility Changes?
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“Arlington National Cemetery in-ground burial will not reach capacity for 42 years with the current standards,” said Gen. Walter L. “Skip” Sharp, USA (Ret), MOAA’s chairman of the board. “This leaves time to develop a new location and to slowly transition while maintaining current eligibility for all those who have planned for in-ground burial at Arlington.”
The “fix” offered by the eligibility changes is anything but – the new rules focus on combat awards as the discriminator for eligibility, which would serve to disqualify many 20-year retirees and nearly all female veterans. Even Vietnam-era veterans who earned the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor would not qualify under the new arrangement.
However, these rule changes, part of the federal rulemaking process, have yet to take effect as they are currently with the Secretary of the Army. Secretary Wormuth told MOAA she is in discussions with the VA on options regarding a report due to Congress regarding eligibility.
The “fix” offered by the eligibility changes is anything but – the new rules focus on combat awards as the discriminator for eligibility, which would serve to disqualify many 20-year retirees and nearly all female veterans. Even Vietnam-era veterans who earned the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor would not qualify under the new arrangement.
However, these rule changes, part of the federal rulemaking process, have yet to take effect as they are currently with the Secretary of the Army. Secretary Wormuth told MOAA she is in discussions with the VA on options regarding a report due to Congress regarding eligibility.
What’s Next for Proposed Arlington Cemetery Eligibility Changes?
Posted from moaa.org
Arlington
Death
Honor
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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We need another area just as significant to our History as Arlington for our Veterans. Something significant to our pursuit of Freedom. I, personally, would like to see something like several hundred acres including the site of where Flight 93 crashed on 9/11. All those who retook control of that plane exhibited such Patriotism as to add significance to that place.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
Like that idea but don't know the area at all. Is that much land available in the area?
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MSgt Dale Johnson
Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen - Not totally positive, but I believe is is partially farmland with some rugged terrain in the area and not too far from a major freeway, I 76, and just over an hour SE of Pittsburgh.
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MSG Greg Kelly
Every state I think has at least one National Cemetery. But it would be great to create another Country wide one. Maybe at one of these bases that was closed. Or another Civil War battle site that has not been sold off for apartments
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It's a shame that the standards had to be increased to prevent the capacity from reaching its limit. But the cemetery is a sacred place and must be kept open as long as possible
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MSG Greg Kelly
LTC Stephen F. - thanks sir it was my stupidity or dyslexia one or the other. But thanks for squaring me away. LOL
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Restrictions are inevitable wherever you have limited space, be it a national cemetery or a highly desirable area to live. Other than the perceived honor of Arlington there are plenty other national cemeteries where veterans can be laid to rest with the exact same honors that may actually be more convenient for relatives and friends to visit.
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