ARLINGTON, Va. -- A groundbreaking ceremony was held Sept. 14 to inaugurate construction of the Arlington National Cemetery expansion that will add new gravesites and involve the Air Force Memorial.
The combined projects will support the expansion of Arlington National Cemetery by realigning the roads near the site of the Old Navy Annex; adding roughly 50 acres to the cemetery; adding 80,000 new burial spaces; relocating the ANC Service Complex; and integrating seamless access to the Air Force Memorial.
The Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion will extend the lifespan of the cemetery and enhance the visitor experience while providing substantial benefits to the surrounding areas, said ANC officials. Expansion work includes constructing a new operations complex known as South Parcel.
South Parcel construction will include an office building, a warehouse, green-roof maintenance bays, and a public parking garage. The cemetery expansion will primarily consist of a new entrance and screening point for visitors, columbaria courts and crypt installations. Construction is scheduled to take place over the next several years.
Throughout 2021, ANC is commemorating the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For more information, visit https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Tomb100. (Courtesy of ANC)