Monthly Archives: April 2021
Whether it is every tiny detail on their uniforms, the polishing of their shoes, the pressing of their jackets, or the folding of the flag, the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen that serve at Arlington National Cemetery honor the veterans buried there. With utmost precision, they hold themselves to the highest standards to reflect the sacrifice each and every man and woman made for their country.
What To Expect at a Chapel Service at Arlington
During a period of mourning, many turn to their religion to find a sense of closure and comfort as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one. As such, the Arlington National Cemetery chapel allows families to request a chapel service for their loved ones. If you’re attending an Arlington service that includes a chapel service, let us tell you what to expect at a chapel service at Arlington to ensure you’re able to attend and observe respectfully.
Entering the Chapel
It’s generally recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the service, as this gives you a chance to speak with the Cemetery Representative and the family, during which time you can express your condolences and get any necessary instructions before the service begins. When the service time begins to approach, stay near the officer in charge and follow their lead in saluting as the remains of the deceased are transported from the hearse into the chapel. Though the officer will be saluting, you will instead place your right hand over your heart, as this is the customary way to pay your respects as a civilian. You’ll continue to follow the example of the officer in charge to know when to stop saluting and enter the chapel.
In the Chapel
Once you’re inside the chapel, the faith of the departed and their family will dictate proper conduct. These services, unless otherwise stated, are typically 20 minutes long in consideration of other services scheduled for that day. When the service comes to a close, walk to the center of the aisle and move to the rear of the casket or urn. The ushers will come forth, and the organist will begin to play.
Leaving the Chapel
As you prepare to exit the chapel, turn to the rear and follow the processional out of the chapel. If religious practices had you don vestments, you will have the opportunity to change before leaving the chapel. Once you exit the chapel, go to the left and stand near the caisson while placing your right hand over your heart. The remains shall be moved and secured to the caisson.
Now that you know what to expect at a chapel service at Arlington, you will be able to focus on tending to your grief and mourning rather than worrying that you’re doing the right thing while you’re in the chapel.
PFC Raymond Kenneth Blake buried in Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery. PFC Blake shares Section 25 with Private Henry Johnson, a member of the 369th. He fought in the Argonne Forest and was the first American soldier to earn France’s highest military honor – the Croix de Guerre. On the night of May 14, 1918, Pvt. Johnson and Pvt. Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when a squad of Germans began firing at them. Roberts was severely wounded soon after the firing began. Johnson continued fighting even after taking bullets in the arm, head, side and suffering 21 wounds in hand-to-hand combat. Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. On June 2, 2015, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor to Pvt. Johnson for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”
PFC Raymond Kenneth Blake buried in Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery. PFC Blake shares Section 25 with Private Henry Johnson, a member of the 369th. He fought in the Argonne Forest and was the first American soldier to earn France’s highest military honor – the Croix de Guerre. On the night of May 14, 1918, Pvt. Johnson and Pvt. Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when a squad of Germans began firing at them. Roberts was severely wounded soon after the firing began. Johnson continued fighting even after taking bullets in the arm, head, side and suffering 21 wounds in hand-to-hand combat. Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. On June 2, 2015, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor to Pvt. Johnson for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”
Arlington National Cemetery conducts thousands of military funerals a year. It’s one of few cemeteries that provide graveside burials with full military funeral honors and escort, and each part of a military funeral at Arlington is performed by a service member stationed in the D.C. metro area. The Army is the largest branch of military service in the U.S. and, as a result, conducts more funerals at the cemetery than any other. Members of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” fill these roles. Funerals are referred to as “missions” to help soldiers stay emotionally detached and focused on their task. The Old Guard is organized into platoons specific to each ceremonial job. This helps the soldiers specialize in their part of the service and gives them time to rest and maintain their infantry training. When soldiers arrive at Fort Myer, they’re given their platoon assignment. Most want to be part of the firing platoon because it takes the most skill, but you have to audition for a spot first. For seven soldiers to fire the 21-gun salute at the same time requires impeccable timing. The shots are fired in unison and the soldiers must reload their weapons in perfect synchronization with each other. Casket platoon is also a sought-after position. The casket bearers are positioned next to the Chaplain and in full view of the family.
Arlington National Cemetery conducts thousands of military funerals a year. It’s one of few cemeteries that provide graveside burials with full military funeral honors and escort, and each part of a military funeral at Arlington is performed by a service member stationed in the D.C. metro area. The Army is the largest branch of military service in the U.S. and, as a result, conducts more funerals at the cemetery than any other. Members of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” fill these roles. Funerals are referred to as “missions” to help soldiers stay emotionally detached and focused on their task. The Old Guard is organized into platoons specific to each ceremonial job. This helps the soldiers specialize in their part of the service and gives them time to rest and maintain their infantry training. When soldiers arrive at Fort Myer, they’re given their platoon assignment. Most want to be part of the firing platoon because it takes the most skill, but you have to audition for a spot first. For seven soldiers to fire the 21-gun salute at the same time requires impeccable timing. The shots are fired in unison and the soldiers must reload their weapons in perfect synchronization with each other. Casket platoon is also a sought-after position. The casket bearers are positioned next to the Chaplain and in full view of the family.
The Washington Monument rises over a caisson at Arlington National Cemetery escorting the remains of a veteran to their final resting place. George Washington’s military and political leadership were indispensable to the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he rallied Americans from thirteen divergent states and outlasted Britain’s superior military force. As the first president, Washington’s superb leadership set the standard for each president that has succeeded him. The Washington Monument towers above the city that bears his name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder of George Washington’s greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no one’s shadow. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation’s capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.
The Washington Monument rises over a caisson at Arlington National Cemetery escorting the remains of a veteran to their final resting place. George Washington’s military and political leadership were indispensable to the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he rallied Americans from thirteen divergent states and outlasted Britain’s superior military force. As the first president, Washington’s superb leadership set the standard for each president that has succeeded him. The Washington Monument towers above the city that bears his name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder of George Washington’s greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no one’s shadow. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation’s capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.
Members of the US Air Force Honor Guard carry a casket through Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery.
