Posted on Jun 3, 2021
Arlington Cemetery Eligibility Could Change Soon. Ask Your Lawmakers to Act
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Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army Cemeteries, told lawmakers at a May 5 hearing the final regulations are expected to be approved and published in the Federal Register this fall. The proposed eligibility changes would dramatically reduce interment eligibility to those who receive a Purple Heart or are awarded a Silver Star and above, and would force many 20-year retirees to change their end-of-life plans.
MOAA’s three priorities for ANC eligibility and expansion moving forward:
Ensure 20-year retirees now eligible for ANC will not have to change end-of-life plans. They deserve full military honors at our national cemetery (the VA cemetery system does not afford full military honors) and should be grandfathered in regardless of eligibility changes.
Provide full consideration of noncontiguous expansion for ANC, which was directed by Congress in Public Law 114-158 (approved May 20, 2016) but was not fully considered. The law directed “considerations for additional expansion opportunities beyond the current boundaries of the cemetery.”
Set a clear path forward for the next national cemetery: ANC will run out of room no matter what, and designating the next cemetery that affords full military honors is a matter of national conscience. If the current eligibility rules remain, ANC would reach capacity in 2050, leaving ample time to plan for the future.
MOAA’s three priorities for ANC eligibility and expansion moving forward:
Ensure 20-year retirees now eligible for ANC will not have to change end-of-life plans. They deserve full military honors at our national cemetery (the VA cemetery system does not afford full military honors) and should be grandfathered in regardless of eligibility changes.
Provide full consideration of noncontiguous expansion for ANC, which was directed by Congress in Public Law 114-158 (approved May 20, 2016) but was not fully considered. The law directed “considerations for additional expansion opportunities beyond the current boundaries of the cemetery.”
Set a clear path forward for the next national cemetery: ANC will run out of room no matter what, and designating the next cemetery that affords full military honors is a matter of national conscience. If the current eligibility rules remain, ANC would reach capacity in 2050, leaving ample time to plan for the future.
Arlington Cemetery Eligibility Could Change Soon. Ask Your Lawmakers to Act
Posted from moaa.org
Edited 3 y ago
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 11
Edited 3 y ago
Posted 3 y ago
Charlie I would never step in front of someone more deserving than my self however, I would like to find a final resting place for my wife (a vet also) and myself somewhere in Arlington. Neither of us have a purple hearts or silver stars. By all means they should take priority but when I go I want to be cremated and put on the property somewhere. Hell they can just spread my ash on the property, I will be in great company.
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
3 y
There is definitely still room in the wall with the "urns" so that should not be a problem.
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LTC Jeff Shearer
3 y
I never considered it until I visited. The sign as you enter says it all "you are entering hallowed ground". I had chills the entire time I was there
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LTC Jeff Shearer
3 y
Lt Col Charlie Brown - Charlie I know I have lived pretty fast and on the edge somewhat but now that I have slowed down I am hoping for at least another 200/300 years. If the medical powers that be can help me get rid of all the pain from the first 50+ hahaha
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GySgt Thomas Vick
3 y
The best of luck LTC Shearer, who ever said the getting old was the golden years should be took to the Arizona desert, staked to the ground nude, and have syrup poured over them.
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Posted 3 y ago
I think the MOAA's recommendations are reasonable. This does not affect me since my wife and I will be buried in the Georgia National Cemetary in Canton, GA.
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
3 y
I had planned on the national cemetery at Quantico, now hubby is talking about Arlington.
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Maj Robert Thornton
3 y
LTC John Griscom I agree, I have two friends that are buried there, just prior to Covid.
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Posted 3 y ago
I am still debating between two national cemeteries.
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