Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is running out of room, and may soon become more exclusive.
The cemetery is expected to reach its capacity in less than 25 years. The remains of more than 400,000 veterans and their dependents have been laid to rest at the site since the formation of the United States. Services for 7,000 people are conducted every year.
Considering Arlington National Cemetery is confined within the Washington, D.C. metro area there are only 2 future expansions possible, yet both would only extend the life of the site by another 5 years.
Congress asked the Army, which is charged with the care of the site, to consider policies that would limit the burial and internment of service members to those killed in action, awarded the Medal of Honor, or other exemplary merits.
Under those restrictions, the cemetery would probably conduct fewer burials in a year, than it does now in a week.
The site is not the only location where military service members and their dependents can be buried. There are 150 national cemeteries and 300 military cemeteries within United States territory, including Puerto Rico.
Public input is wanted to make a decision on the future of Arlington National Cemetery. CLICK HERE to view and fill out the survey.
RELATED:
National Veterans Cemeteries list
State Veterans Cemeteries list
Arlington National Cemetery official site
