Funeral Information

Arlington National Cemetery, our nation’s most hallowed ground, is the final resting place for approximately 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. This historic cemetery bears witness to American heritage and the military service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform throughout U.S. history.

Veterans are laid to rest with dignity and honor at Arlington National Cemetery by a compassionate and dedicated work force. We believe that caring for our nation's heroes and their families during their time of need is a sacred duty entrusted to us. 


•   We conduct 27 to 30 services each weekday, and four to five services on Saturdays. Funeral services are held Monday through Friday (except on federal holidays) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for placements and services for cremated remains that do not require military honors or military chaplain support. Services are not scheduled on Saturdays that precede a federal holiday on Monday. 

•   Family members and others attending a service should arrive at the cemetery approximately 45 minutes prior to the scheduled service time. Families will not be allowed entry into the cemetery earlier than one hour prior to the scheduled service. 

•   For funeral attendees, up to TEN family members are allowed inside the Administration Building for coordination on the day of the funeral.

•   The maximum capacity for funeral services at Old Post Chapel is 200 persons. 

For additional information, click on the tabs at left. To request or coordinate funeral services, please call 1-877-907-8585.


Burial Flags

burial-flags-army

Burial flags used for military honors at Arlington National Cemetery measure 5' x 9 ½'. Do not purchase a burial flag. The burial flag must be made in the United States. Most funeral homes will obtain the U.S. flag on behalf of the veteran's family. Requests for a burial flag must be made at the time of need (time of death). Burial flags may also be obtained from VA regional offices, Department of Veterans' Affairs and most U.S. post offices by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes, and submitting it with a copy of the veteran's discharge papers at one of these locations. 


Temporary Suspension of Caisson Platoon Funeral Operations at Arlington National Cemetery

Update: Nov. 6, 2023

As of late June 2023, a riderless horse is trailing the hearse in funerals for Army and Marine officers who retired at O-6 and above. 

The Army has announced that caisson platoon support to funerals at Arlington National Cemetery is scheduled to resume in June 2024. Though some families will be impacted by these changes, Arlington National Cemetery and the Army are working to minimize disruptions and ensure families can appropriately honor loved ones. Click here for a fact sheet and view the below video for more information. 


Other Burial Options

ANC is one of many beautiful options for families to consider when laying their loved one to rest. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains 87 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico that are open for first interment or inurnments. Use our Cemetery Locator Map to find a VA cemetery near you. 


DISCLAIMER

Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), the Army National Military Cemeteries and the U.S. Army do not recommend, endorse or contract with any photographers, videographers, limousine, private coach services, florists or hotels for the purposes of providing those and related services to family members laying their loved ones to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. There is no official photographer, videographer, florist or bagpiper for families interring their loved one at ANC. If a person so represents themselves to you, they may be attempting to scam or mislead you. Finally, if an email address or website does not end in .mil, this person or company is not connected to ANC or the Army and may also be attempting to scam or mislead you. Please exercise great caution in choosing to conduct any business with such company or person(s).