Display of Moses Ezekiel's Sculpture at Arlington National Cemetery 

The U.S. Army has entered an agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia under which Virginia loans one of Moses Ezekiel's historic sculptures for display at Ezekiel's burial site in Arlington National Cemetery. The Army expects to display the sculpture in 2027 after it has undergone complete refurbishment.  

Published on: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 read more ...

Lithochrome Policy

Dark lithochrome letters on grave stone

The first headstones at Arlington National Cemetery were simple white headstones with the personal information and gravesite number etched into the stone. Later, lithochrome (a special type of water-resistant paint applied to headstones/markers that darkens all of the letters) was introduced to make the inscriptions easier to read.

Over time, depending on location, conditions and the specific lithochrome paint used, the blackening fades. The fading occurs in a very non-uniform way, both within a particular headstone and across a section. Additionally, there are sections that were traditionally non-lithochromed where lithochromed headstones have been introduced.

  • Lithochrome is no longer used except for headstones ordered for first interments (at the time of interment) in Section 60, as well as niche covers for the Columbarium Courts 1-9 and the Niche Wall.
  • Markers are not reordered due to fading of lithochrome. If a headstone requires replacement for another reason, it will not contain lithochrome. When niche covers are in need of replacement lithochrome will be applied.