The Web site of what is generally agreed to be the nation’s most notable burial site extends a warm invitation. “For the almost four million people who visit annually,” it reads, “Arlington National cemetery represents many different things. For some, it is a chance to walk among headstones that chronicle American history; for many, it is an opportunity to remember and honor the nation’s war heroes; and for others, it is a place to say a last farewell during funeral services for a family member or friend.” Given recent events, those who operate the cemetery should add another phrase to that statement.
Officials should warn all who visit that some graves might be misidentified or mismarked. An Army investigation indicates that hundreds of remains could be involved. Army Secretary John McHugh admitted as much last week. That certainly should upset families of the deceased. It also violates the nation’s promise to those who serve that they will be buried with dignity in a place of honor.
Secretary McHugh made no excuses. “I deeply apologize to the families of the honored fallen resting in that hallowed ground who may now question the care afforded to the loved ones.” The problems are “deeply troubling and simply unacceptable.” Just so. The families and nation deserve better.
So far, the investigation has identified at last 211 cases in which remains were potentially mislabeled or misplaced. There might be more. The inquiry continues.
The Army, which manages Arlington, is acting quickly to resolve the problems. It sacked the cemetery’s top two civilian officials. They’ve been replaced with thoroughly vetted officials from other federal agencies. A new advisory panel led by former senators Max Cleland and Bob Dole, both veterans, will help with cemetery oversight. The new officials and panel should be allowed to work without bureaucratic interference.
Such infighting has been a problem. Arlington officials continued to use a paper-based system to track burials because wrangling between officials and contractors delayed installation of a computer system similar to those used by cemeteries around the nation for a decade. That’s unpardonable — and likely contributed to the current mix-up.
It’s particularly indefensible because there were earlier hints about issues at Arlington. Problems were noted in a 1997 Inspector General’s report and again in a 2008 report to Congress. Nothing was done — until an investigative report last year. That prompted the current inquiry, which should expand to involve Congress.
A call center to help family members concerned about proper burial of loved ones at Arlington has been set up. It has understandably been inundated with calls. Questions should be answered quickly and authoritatively without prevarication. Mismanagement of burials is a disgrace at any time and place. It is particularly so when it occurs at the nation’s most hallowed ground.