We are often asked if the funeral service can be photographed and video taped. Military Funeral Services encourages all families to consider having a record of your ceremony. You will find details and moments that you missed recorded and preserved for you and for those unable to attend the service. Artful photographs, slide shows and edited videos with music or albums are a wonderful way to remember your loved one and the pageantry of this important day. We recommend the following firms for professional quality work done in a nonintrusive manner.
TRANSPORTATION
You will need your own transportation while at Arlington National Cemetery. Unfortunately traffic
congestion in the nation's Capitol is some ofthe worst in the country. Many families, even those who drove
their own vehicles, elect to hire a limousine for the day of the funeral service. Military Funeral Services has
investigated many firms and has found the following meet our high standards. Vehicles are late models, clean,
staffed by professional drivers who are both knowledgeable and courteous. These firms can meet all of your
transportation needs while visiting Washington, D.C. Many families elect to do some sight seeing during their
visit and these firms can often provide a package which includes limo service the day of the funeral. Many
families have stated that compared to the cost of renting an automobile, purchasing gasoline and insurance,
finding a parking space, paying parking fees and then having to drive one's self in unfamiliar territory, that the
use of a livery service is a good value indeed. We recommend:
703-225-0600
BAGPIPES
Military Funeral Services has found an award winning piper. Norm Weaver has played the highland
bagpipes for nearly 30 years and is a member of the Washington Scottish Pipe Band, pipers to the Washington
St. Andrews Society and the Clan Gregor, USA. Norm pipes frequently at Arlington National Cemetery.
Norm Weaver
703-594-3755
FUNERAL EXPENSES
There is no charge for a grave (or Columbarium niche) in Arlington National Cemetery, for opening and closing the
grave, concrete grave liner or for a government headstone.
REQUESTING AN INTERMENT
The funeral director should contact the Interment Services Office as soon as possible. The office is open 7:30 AM-3:30 PM Monday through Friday, and 9:00 AM-12:30 PM on Saturday. Call 703-607-8585. Internment Office personnel will verify eligibility. The Internment Office Staff will schedule the date, time and place of the service. It is recommended to have all discharge papers, DD214, records of decorations, Department of Veterans Affairs disability finclings and other supporting documents available for reference when calling the Internment Office.
After receiving eligibility confirmation and a schedule for the internment service, please call MILITARY FUNERAL
SERVICES at 888-276-3378. We will assist you with completing arrangements.
REQUESTING A DISINTERNMENT
The funeral director should request written permission from the cemetery superintendent:
Superintendent
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA 22211
State the reason for the disinternment in the letter. If the remains are to be removed from the cemetery a disinternment permit is required and may be obtained from Arlington County Health Department at no cost. After permission is granted you will need to contract with a disinternment service to excavate the grave. Please call Military Funeral Services at 888-276-3378 and we will assist you in contacting an excavating service.