Burial in Arlington National: My uncle, a Marine World War II wounded veteran of the South Pacific, mainly Peleliu, died a few months ago at the age of 97 from Covid. His ashes will be...

daldds Loc: NYC

My uncle, a Marine World War II wounded veteran of the South Pacific, mainly Peleliu, died a few months ago at the age of 97 from Covid.

His ashes will be interred in Arlington in the simplest of their three ceremonies. If anyone has been to a ceremony, can you tell me the best way to photograph the whole service without being disrespectful to it? Is there any part that absolutely should be shot?

Thanks

radiojohn

As is the case with pastors doing weddings, the folks putting it on know the no-nos AND when the time is for the best shots. There may be some info on the Arlington website or Ft. Myer, VA. The may also be a Q&A for the Old Guard, who put on the services.

I spent 3 years on the now vanished South Post of Ft. Myer, VA during the Vietnam war. We were the exact opposite of the spit and polish of North Post, so that's all I can tell you. Most of our time was spent handling top secret bureaucratic stuff LONG before PCs. My entire "shop" of 35 people processing stuff could now be done on a couple of laptops. We used couriers and pneumatic tubes!

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I recently attended an inurnment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and there are official photographers who will provide photos to the next of kin.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

daldds wrote:

My uncle, a Marine World War II wounded veteran of the South Pacific, mainly Peleliu, died a few months ago at the age of 97 from Covid.

His ashes will be interred in Arlington in the simplest of their three ceremonies. If anyone has been to a ceremony, can you tell me the best way to photograph the whole service without being disrespectful to it? Is there any part that absolutely should be shot?

Thanks

My grandfather is buried in Arlington, a Navy veteran of WWII and Korea. Things may be a bit different from his burial in April 2003. I have pictures of the hearse and horse-drawn caisson and the grave before the service. He was buried in a relatively new section (then) and one of the first graves near the road. You might stand back from a distance with a telephoto, but as a family member, I wouldn't try to capture the ceremony closer. A respective distance might not even be an option for your uncle's internment in the columbarium. I've been in the Arlington columbarium, but have never witnessed the ceremony.

The marble marker probably won't be ready for the ceremony. That would an important image you should try to get. When I came back a year later at Memorial Day when my grandfather's headstone was in place with the flag, my grandmother had that canvas in a floating frame in her apartment until her passing. It's now here in my condo.

medphotog Loc: Witness protection land

Just Fred wrote:

I recently attended an inurnment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and there are official photographers who will provide photos to the next of kin.

Didn't know that but it probably wouldn't have happened anyway. There was a snow/ice event when we buried my step father in 04. Fortunately he wasn't big on pomp and circumstance (after commanding two ships and a base) because they held the service in a little area off the side of the road because his site was a good bit away and it sloped downhill. As a side note, when they set up the website search I noticed that they had spelled his first name wrong. They couldn't have been more friendly and it was fixed before we made it back to see his marker.

david vt Loc: Vermont

daldds wrote:

My uncle, a Marine World War II wounded veteran of the South Pacific, mainly Peleliu, died a few months ago at the age of 97 from Covid.

His ashes will be interred in Arlington in the simplest of their three ceremonies. If anyone has been to a ceremony, can you tell me the best way to photograph the whole service without being disrespectful to it? Is there any part that absolutely should be shot?

Thanks

Hi, Given @Just Fred’s note that there are official photographers, consider talking to them about any shots you want to be sure they get. Then consider letting go and just being a participant. There are times to be a photographer, and there are times to “hire” others and be a solid support for your family. You will then be in the pictures as well for the family. JMHO.

warzone

My friend was interred at Arlington last February. I asked the immediate family and was told, “take all the pictures you want.” I stood back and was respectful but the family was most appreciative of the photos. There was an official photographer and videographer but not sure how there were arranged. Ask the protocol office at Arlington about that. Attached are some of the photos I took.

billt1970 Loc: Gambrills, Maryland

daldds wrote:

My uncle, a Marine World War II wounded veteran of the South Pacific, mainly Peleliu, died a few months ago at the age of 97 from Covid.

His ashes will be interred in Arlington in the simplest of their three ceremonies. If anyone has been to a ceremony, can you tell me the best way to photograph the whole service without being disrespectful to it? Is there any part that absolutely should be shot?

First, my prayers and condolences on your Uncle's passing. Our thanks to him for his service to our nation.

I have, fortunately or unfortunately, attended literally dozens of funeral and burial ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. I always had camera(s) in hand and never hesitated to shoot whatever images or video that were appropriate to the occasion. The key is to read the situation and position yourself as unobtrusively as possible. Shoot it all, and sort it out in post processing. The families have always been appreciative of any images and/or video that I gave them.

Again, thanks to your Uncle for his service.

Best Regards,

Bill Taylor
Gambrills, MD

daldds Loc: NYC

Since this will be an inurnment, I guess what I want to know is will I be able to move around a little in order to get those good shots? More than likely there will be only family members present, maybe one grandson, a few nieces and nephews (all senior citizens), and his widow.
And to all of those will be answered, thanks for your help.

Lithoman Loc: Southern Indiana

Both my parents are buried there. My Dad, a 33 year veteran went first in ‘02. It was a memorable, moving ceremony to say the least. I took photos of everything from what I considered a respectful distance - no closer than 10 feet. No one said anything. I felt awkward, but remember thinking to myself this would not come to pass again. It was a once in a life time event. I’m glad I did. I made prints and put them in an album for my Mother who cherished it until her passing 10 years later. Her Arlington ceremony wasn’t as detailed as her husband’s but just as moving. From what I read above they supply photographers now. I’m glad I had the chance to shoot mine as I feel they mean more, and I’m sure I took many more than a “pro” would have. I’m sorry for your loss but enjoy the ceremony. The Old Guard does an amazing service.

billt1970 Loc: Gambrills, Maryland

daldds wrote:

Since this will be an inurnment, I guess what I want to know is will I be able to move around a little in order to get those good shots?

Based upon my experience with inurnments you should have no problem moving about to get the best shots.
BT

mitrecon

daldds wrote:

My uncle, a Marine World War II wounded veteran of the South Pacific, mainly Peleliu, died a few months ago at the age of 97 from Covid.

His ashes will be interred in Arlington in the simplest of their three ceremonies. If anyone has been to a ceremony, can you tell me the best way to photograph the whole service without being disrespectful to it? Is there any part that absolutely should be shot?

Thanks

There is ample opportunity to get pics. You’ll want to get the procession to the service site, the gun salute (likely not 21), caisson with one riderless horse, removal of urn from trap door in coffin (if provided), military band(if), folding the flag, presentation of the flag, military guard at the podium during the service. Can’t remember if they lead you to the columbarium to place the urn (maybe a temp cover until the final marble cover is made). Don’t forget to soak it all in besides taking photos; very sad and moving experience.

daldds Loc: NYC

My uncle was a marine corporal, honorably discharged late 1945 just after his 22nd bd. I think that rates him with the simplest of the three types of ceremonies, correct?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

daldds wrote:

My uncle was a marine corporal, honorably discharged late 1945 just after his 22nd bd. I think that rates him with the simplest of the three types of ceremonies, correct?

Wounded. Peleliu. He's earned the highest honors and thanks this country can bestow, even 76 years later. My grandmother and their two surviving daughters handled the arrangements for my grandfather's funeral as well as my grandfather was living just down the road in the retirement section of Ft. Belvoir at the time and I think had expressed his wishes. Your family are in the best position to decide from the available options.

mitrecon

They’ve cut back on eligibility to be placed in Arlington. Not sure that serving without honors/awards higher (highest?) rank qualifies.