The Army would like to keep Arlington functioning for the next 150 years, but prospects for adding new property is slim, as the cemetery is hemmed in by highways and other developments.
Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries stated, “Arlington National Cemetery will not be a burial option for those service members who served in the Gulf War and any conflict afterwards.”
The new regulations currently under consideration place drastic restrictions on eligibility. It will only include service people who were killed in action, recipients of awards such as Purple Hearts, Silver Stars or higher, presidents, vice presidents, people killed in combat-related deaths while operating on a unique military activity or veterans who served in combat that went on to serve in the highest levels of government in a significant role that made contributions to the nation’s security.
