June 10, 2010
Ranking Member Buyer Responds to Arlington Cemetery Inquiry
For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence (202) 225-3527
Washington, D.C. –Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer made the following statement regarding an investigation by the Department of the Army regarding Arlington National Cemetery:
“I spoke with Secretary of the Army John McHugh about this investigation this morning, and I commended him for his support of the Inspector General’s investigation, the results of which will be released this afternoon. He took affirmative action to right some wrongs at Arlington and improve standards at one of our nation’s most sacred shrines.”
“Secretary McHugh understands the importance of Arlington and the veneration the American people hold for what it symbolizes. He is committed to ensuring that Arlington remains the gold-standard in national cemeteries in both decorum and aesthetic beauty. His integrity in this matter, and pursuit of high standards and excellence at Arlington are worthy of praise.”
“Secretary McHugh and I share the perspective that Arlington is in need of a state-of-the-art computer database to track gravesites. I am pleased to hear that efforts are underway to make such progress. The National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs already employs this type of records system, and Arlington needs one as well.”