Top 5 Notable Figures Buried at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most revered military cemeteries in the United States. Established during the Civil War, it serves as a final resting place for countless American heroes. Among these graves lie some notable figures whose lives and contributions have shaped history. Here, we explore five remarkable individuals interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
John F. Kennedy
The 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on November 24, where his grave is marked by an eternal flame—a symbol of his enduring legacy and commitment to public service. JFK remains one of the most iconic figures in American history, celebrated for his leadership during pivotal moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and his vision for civil rights.
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee was a Confederate general during the Civil War and is remembered for his command of the Confederate Army in Northern Virginia. While he is often a controversial figure due to his role in defending slavery and secession, many admire his strategic military acumen and dedication to duty. Lee’s home at Arlington House was taken over by Union forces during the war and eventually became part of what would become Arlington National Cemetery.
Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall made history as the first African American Supreme Court Justice in 1967 after a distinguished career as an attorney fighting against racial discrimination through landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education. His grave can be found at Arlington National Cemetery where he continues to inspire generations advocating for civil rights and equality under law.
Audie Murphy
One of America’s most decorated World War II veterans, Audie Murphy received every military combat award available from the U.S Army including the Medal of Honor for his brave actions on January 26, 1945, when he single-handedly held off an entire German company despite being outnumbered while wounded himself.His post-war career included acting; however it was his heroism that led him to be buried with honors at Arlington after passing away in a plane crash in 1971.
William Howard Taft
The 27th President of the United States and later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court—William Howard Taft holds a unique distinction as being both president (1909-1913) and chief justice (1921-1930). His contributions laid groundwork within government operations that influence today’s legal landscape; he rests alongside other great leaders at Arlington.
These notable figures represent just a fraction of those honored within Arlington National Cemetery’s hallowed grounds—each with stories that embody courage, service, or groundbreaking change in society’s fabric throughout America’s history.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
