For some war dead, Arlington’s gates are closed
“We know the risks. We have no sense of entitlement. We want no special benefits and don’t feel we deserve medals. But should we give our final measure to our country as a result of direct enemy action, I think we should be eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.”
“Marc Chretien, a lawyer and a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, served for more than five years as a senior adviser with the State Department in Iraq and Afghanistan. He expects to deploy to Afghanistan again late this summer.”
Sorry, Marc, I strongly disagree. Arlington was established to honor those who died in the uniform of our nation. If it is opened to civilians, we’ll see mercenary contractors demanding burial alongside those who chose to answer the call of duty to an often-ungrateful nation. You and your colleagues have the option to serve in uniform rather than in a civilian capacity.
You deny asking for special benefits. However, you are doing exactly that. Arlington burials are highly restricted. Even many who served in uniform are denied internment there due to lack of space. Therefore, the use of that limited space should remain focused upon those who served in the armed forces.
While you were, and will be, placed at risk of violent death or long-term injury by reason of your employment with the State Department, your level of compensation is certainly higher than that of the young Marines who we send out to such tasks. In many cases, a dedicated cemetery and a too small insurance benefit is all they wind up with. If you want Arlington, stay in uniform. Best of luck in your next posting.
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