Arlington National Cemetery is one of the largest and most famous national cemeteries in the United States. It covers 639 acres (259 hectares) in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The cemetery surrounds Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, which was the home of General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate Army. It occupies land that was once a part of the estate of Lee’s wife, Mary Custis Lee. The United States government made Arlington a national cemetery in 1864. The Department of the Army administers it.
Space in the cemetery is available for honorably discharged winners of the Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Purple Heart, or Silver Star; members of the armed services who die on active duty; certain disabled veterans; members of the armed forces who have served long enough to be officially retired; and honorably discharged veterans who have held a federal elective office or a Cabinet-level position, or who have served on the Supreme Court. Their wives or husbands and dependent children are also eligible. Until 1967, all honorably discharged veterans could be buried in the cemetery.
The Tomb of the Unknowns of World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War is located in Arlington (see Unknown soldier ). Wreaths are placed at this tomb on national holidays and during visits of dignitaries. The grave of President John F. Kennedy, marked by an eternal flame, lies on a hillside near Arlington House. Kennedy and William Howard Taft are the only presidents buried in Arlington.
