Arlington Cemetery Adds Space for Cremated Remains

Columbarium will house more than 6,500 vets

ARLINGTON, Va. -- About 200 people gathered Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery to formally open the cemetery's ninth outdoor structure for entombing cremated remains.

The 6-foot-tall, nearly half-mile-long outdoor wall known as a columbarium will house the remains of more than 6,500 veterans.

Cemetery spokeswoman Kaitlin Horst said demand is great for burial space at Arlington and more people are choosing to cremate their loved ones because the requirements are more relaxed than for in-ground burials.

Only certain members of the military, including those who died while on active duty or were awarded certain decorations, can be buried in the ground at Arlington. But most are eligible for places in the columbarium.

Horst said people want their loved ones placed at Arlington because it has a special place in the nation's history.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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