Problems at Arlington Cemetery

bruno

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/24/AR2010062406528.html?hpid=topnews

This hasn't gotten as much play as it should. My boy is in this cemetery and I will be too. Mismanagement there touches home to me- as it should to every vet and everyone who honors one in Arlington.
I have over the years been appalled by the fact that in 2010 in the premier cemetery in the US, you must go to an assistance desk, fill out a form and someone will go and look up on Microfiche the location of a gravesite. That's however just a symptom of incompetence. More angering-they have lost records,improperly disposed of markers and squandered money on unqualified contractors. This btw is a long standing problem so your rage should be bipartisan- but you should be appalled and the government should know it and be forced to FIX THIS NOW.
 
I had no idea your son is there.

For the record, and not to temper anyone's righteous rage, there is a computer. Provided you know the name of the individual you seek and the year they were interred, a touch-screen portal will print out a strip map for you. I used it last month when I went to see my grandfather there. I was, I must say, struck by the courtesy and professional conduct of everyone from the parking attendant to the desk clerk. The problems run deep there, but there are some good folks.

My grandfather was buried in 2008 in section 59, which is mentioned as a problem section. Fortunately my family and the funeral director accompanied his body from Ohio and oversaw the process so I know he's in the right place.
 
Bruno, please PM me with your son's information. I'm there quite often visiting the sites of friends of mine who are also interned there in honor and glory. I would like to pay my respects to your son as well.

You have my heart-felt thanks and condolences for your family's sacrifice for our country...

As to what is happening there, at a place that should be extra careful with how they operate because it is so dang important? Well, it a government run bureaucracy; what can you expect? Shameful. Regrettable. But expected.
 
Bruno, please PM me with your son's information. I'm there quite often visiting the sites of friends of mine who are also interned there in honor and glory. I would like to pay my respects to your son as well.

You have my heart-felt thanks and condolences for your family's sacrifice for our country...

As to what is happening there, at a place that should be extra careful with how they operate because it is so dang important? Well, it a government run bureaucracy; what can you expect? Shameful. Regrettable. But expected.

The thanks for the sacrifice in my case are not appropriate although the sentiment is appreciated. My son died as a dependant while I was on AD overseas and was buried in Arlington ,where someday I and my wife will join him- hopefully not in the near future. In our case - the Army did a phenomenal job and eased a very hard time for us.
It's a beautiful place - and all around him are soldiers- and sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Marines who truly do deserve our thanks and respect, and the assurance that their resting spot and the families they leave behind are well cared for. The Army could and should have done better. You are right- it's the government but it doesn't have to be fouled up and in this case it shouldn't be tolerated or brushed aside.

I love going to Arlington, although I cry every time I am there- both for myself and for several friends who are there now in section 60. Everyone should make a point of visiting it periodically and look around at more than just the Tomb of the Unknowns or Kennedy's grave. The significance of Arlington is down there in section 60 and the others like it.
 
No, Bruno. The thanks for your family's sacrifice is still appropriate. As a dependent, your family and your son was/is always there supporting you in your efforts to defend and protect our country. He deserves to lie in waiting there for you and your wife (hopefully a long time from now).

Please understand that my hope and intention to pay my respects to him and your family still remain. If you are OK with it, of course...
 
My boy is in this cemetery ....

I never knew.

Ouch. :frown:

As to what is happening there, at a place that should be extra careful with how they operate because it is so dang important? Well, it a government run bureaucracy; what can you expect? Shameful. Regrettable. But expected.

Don't get me started. :mad:
 
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