Runyan: Restore Trust In Arlington Gravesite Quest

The Veterans’ Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee has passed HR 1627, legislation which advances key language sponsored by Subcommittee Chairman Jon Runyan (R-NJ) and Congressman David Loebsack (D-IA) that would end an unofficial system of “reserved” gravesites for VIPs at Arlington National Cemetery. “I thank the Committee for their support.  Today, we begin the process of rebuilding trust with how this treasured national shrine manages burial reservations,” said Congressman Runyan.  “Veterans’ families throughout the country can begin to believe in the process once again.  Passing this legislation will ensure that all eligible veterans have an equal chance and opportunity to be laid to rest and it ensures that no veteran is given preferential treatment.   It confirms a commitment we all share that we honor our nation’s veterans and their families both in life and death.”
“Arlington National Cemetery is our nation’s most hallowed ground and the mismanagement that has been uncovered at the cemetery is disgraceful,” said Loebsack. “Backroom deals and off the book reservations in violation of Army policy are counter to everything Arlington stands for. This legislation will put an end to this shameful practice and will ensure that any person who has fought for our nation will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, without regard for rank or status.”
Until 1962, gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery were allowed to be reserved. However, the Army reversed the policy after 1962 and determined that gravesites should be provided to any qualified military veteran regardless of rank or status.
Despite this change in policy, it became apparent that past superintendents of Arlington National Cemetery allowed this unofficial reservation process to continue. The new Executive Director of the Army National Cemeteries Program, Kathryn Condon, last year announced that the Army will continue to honor reservations made properly before 1962 as long as the deceased meet current eligibility requirements.                                                        
Congressman Runyan and Congressman Loebsack’s legislative language, which was included with other bills in a package, would end the unofficial reservation system at Arlington National Cemetery and require the Army to investigate the number of plots that may have been set aside in defiance of the 1962 policy.