Off the Beaten Path - The (mostly) Untold Stories of Arlington National Cemetery

There are over 400,000 stories laid to rest within the walls of Arlington National Cemetery, and many are seldom told, these are the legacy stories that live on … off the beaten path.

Welcome to Off the Beaten Path, with your host, Eric Hommel, former officer in charge of US Air Force Ceremonies, where I was responsible for high-level funerals and repatriations here at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today, I explain my intentions in creating Off the Beaten Path, … by first defining The Beaten Path.

Every year more than 3 million people visit Arlington National Cemetery located just south of Washington DC and the Potomac River

Many come here to pay respects to loved ones and comrades. Others come here to visit notable graves of former presidents and America’s heroes, and to discover more of American history.

Many come to witness the lone sentry guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and to view the precise ritual of the Changing of The Guard.

Recognized as a national arboretum, visitors also come to Arlington National Cemetery to appreciate its natural beauty.

Arlington National Cemetery is comprised of 639 acres, the equivalent of about one square mile. Within this one square mile, most visitors traverse a well-traveled path that flows through popular areas, mostly visiting the notable graves of: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Major Audie Murphy, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Louis.

The purpose of this video series (and blog) is to take you to the places where most visitors don’t go; to take you Off the Beaten Path, and introduce you to little known history and to preserve the legacy of those interred within this sacred ground.

Along the way I hope to share stories of those notable and those not so notable while honoring the service and sacrifice of all. I also plan on introducing you to the monuments and memorials that span across Arlington National Cemetery.

With over 400,000 stories laid to rest within these walls, there’s so much to explore and uncover here at America’s most hallowed ground, and I look forward to having you join me on this journey.

- Thank you.

Off the Beaten Path - The Untold Stories of Arlington National Cemetery

Off The Beaten Path- General Colin Powell, US Army

There are over 400,000 stories laid to rest within the walls of Arlington National Cemetery, and many are seldom told, these are the legacy stories that live on … off the beaten path.

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Today we honor General Colin Powell, United States Army.

Arlington National Cemetery spans 639 acres and conducts close to 30 funerals each weekday. However, due to limited space, the cemetery is running out of space and the rules for interment are becoming ever more stringent. In 2017, the cemetery administration also determined that personalized, large grave markers are no longer allowed. From now on, only the veteran affairs-issued government grave markers are authorized. Most notable of this policy is the grave marker of Army General Colin Powell, who passed away in 2021.

In my opinion, if anyone deserves an exception to policy in this regard and be authorized a personalized grave marker, it's a man like Colin Powell. His exceptional military and public service career, coupled with his remarkable character, make him deserving of this honor, but true to his character, he lies almost indistinguishably among his troops.

General Colin Powell was a soldier, statesman, and diplomat, who served as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He was the 15th United States National Security Advisor, serving the George H .W. Bush administration; and he was also America's top diplomat, serving as the 65th Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. A true American success story, General Powell was born in 1937 to Jamaican immigrants. Raised in New York City, he attended public school at the City College of New York, where he gained his commission through the Reserve Officers Training Corps.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, the invasion of Panama, and the Gulf War, he formulated what is currently known as the Powell Doctrine, which limits American military action unless it satisfies criteria regarding American national security interests, with the military acting with overwhelming force, and with the military having widespread public support. He is the recipient of the Soldiers Medal for heroic action not involving conflict with an enemy, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart. As a public official, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction.

Why is General Colin Powell's grave marker off the beaten path? General Powell is interred in Section 60. Section 60 is the section mostly occupied by Afghanistan war and Iraq war veterans, a section not normally traversed by the visiting public. Section 60 is known as “the saddest acre in America.” Section 60 is also known as “the most honorable place in America.”

General Colin Powell is buried among the troops he helped send to war. He now rests in a position to watch over his troops.

General Colin Powell, is a patriot and an American legend.

Thank you for joining us Off The Beaten Path here at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today we honor General Colin Powell, United States Army.