Do Presidents Rest at Arlington National Cemetery?
Several U.S. presidents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, but not all presidents are interred there. Eligibility is governed by Department of Defense regulations and includes active-duty members, retirees, and certain eligible family members. Among presidents, eligibility usually relates to prior military service or occupancy of specific federal positions. This verified explainer outlines which presidents are buried at Arlington, where within the cemetery their graves are located, and the rules that determine who qualifies for burial there.
Eligibility Rules for Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery burial eligibility is defined by federal law and DoD regulations rather than by presidential status alone. Eligible groups include:
- Regular members of the Armed Forces on active duty or retired
- Former members meeting age or disability criteria
- Certain veterans with qualifying service
- Eligible spouses and minor children
Presidents who served in the military before their presidency commonly qualify under these rules. Eligibility may also arise from prior active-duty service, wartime awards, or specific classified roles. Regulations are periodically updated, so confirming current standards is essential.
Presidents Buried at Arlington National Cemetery
Among the 45 presidencies (through 2025), the following presidents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery:
| President | Service Branch | Burial Section | Date of Interment |
|---|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy | U.S. Navy | Section 45 | 1963 |
| William Howard Taft | U.S. Army | Section 30 | 1930 |
| Earl Warren | U.S. Army | Section 30 | 1974 |
| Pierre Good | U.S. Army | Section 2 | 1968 |
John F. Kennedy lies in Section 45, marked by a simple stone and an eternal flame. William Howard Taft and Earl Warren are interred in Section 30. Pierre Good, an associate justice who served as a brigadier general, is also buried at Arlington and is sometimes included in presidential burial discussions due to overlapping criteria.
Notable Graves and Memorials at Arlington Linked to Presidents
Arlington contains memorials and graves of many figures connected to presidential service. Visitors and researchers often note the following highlights:
- John F. Kennedy’s gravesite in Section 45 is marked by an engraved granite headstone and maintained by the public and the Kennedy family.
- William Howard Taft’s burial in Section 30 reflects his distinguished service as both president and chief justice.
- Earl Warren’s Arlington burial recognizes his leadership as chief justice during transformative civil rights cases.
- Monuments such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are near sections where some presidents are buried, highlighting the site’s broader role in honoring service.
Not All Presidents Are Buried at Arlington
While several presidents are buried at Arlington, many are not. Presidential burial sites vary widely and reflect personal, family, and historical preferences. Common locations include:
- Hoover Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Cemetery in Stonewall, Texas
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York
- Mount Vernon, the historic estate of George Washington
The decision of where a president is ultimately buried can depend on family wishes, historical legacy considerations, and proximity to lifelong homes. Arlington is one option among many, available to those who meet its eligibility rules.
Comparison of Presidential Burial Sites
| President | Burial Location | Eligibility Basis or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy | Arlington National Cemetery | Veteran, assassinated while in office |
| William Howard Taft | Arlington National Cemetery | President and Chief Justice, served in U.S. Army |
| Earl Warren | Arlington National Cemetery | Chief Justice, prior U.S. Army service |
| Herbert Hoover | Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, West Branch, Iowa | No prior military service; private burial preference |
| Lyndon B. Johnson | LBJ National Cemetery, Texas | Veteran; family cemetery arrangement |
Process for Presidential Burial at Arlington
If a president qualifies for burial at Arlington, the interment follows standard military cemetery procedures. This typically includes coordination with the Department of Defense, verification of eligibility documentation, and scheduling of ceremonies. Space availability, security considerations, and family arrangements are addressed in advance. The process underscores the cemetery’s commitment to honoring those who served while respecting logistical and regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which president requested to be buried at Arlington?
John F. Kennedy expressed a wish to be buried at Arlington near eternal flame. His interment followed his assassination and reflected his Navy service and enduring public regard. - Can a president be cremated and buried at Arlington?
Yes, cremated remains may be inurned or buried at Arlington provided eligibility requirements are met, including prior qualifying service. - Are future presidents automatically eligible for Arlington burial?
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances such as military service or prior federal roles, not solely on holding the presidency. - What is Section 45 at Arlington known for?
Section 45 is the burial site of John F. Kennedy and is one of the most visited grave sites at the cemetery. - Are any presidents buried at Arlington who did not serve in the military?
Taft and Warren had prior military service. Presidential burial at Arlington typically involves a military background, but eligibility rules focus on service, not solely on presidential status.