Return of a Cherished Tradition
WASHINGTON — A cherished tradition is on the verge of revival at Arlington National Cemetery.
After an 18-month break, horse-drawn funerals are set to return, thanks to new legislative measures included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
This significant development follows the passage of the Honoring Our Heroes with Dignity Act, a proposal by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla.
Incorporating it into the NDAA for the fiscal year 2025, Congress has bipartisanly approved the bill, which is now awaiting the President’s endorsement.
The legislation mandates critical renovations to the historic stables at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall, addressing issues stemming from years of neglect and mismanagement.
The Secretary of the Army is now tasked with ensuring that the horses’ caretakers receive the necessary training and certification, alongside measures aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of the horses prior to reinstating the caisson services.
Concerns and Investigations
Buchanan’s office, however, has yet to receive an update from the Army regarding when these initiatives may commence.
For more than 75 years, horse-drawn funeral escorts have played an essential role in the military’s ceremonial functions at Arlington.
These solemn processions are typically reserved for distinguished figures, including retired commissioned officers, Medal of Honor recipients, service members who died in the line of duty, and notable individuals such as sergeants major and U.S. presidents.
This tradition faced a halt in May 2023, when the 3rd Infantry Regiment Caisson Platoon suspended operations due to significant welfare issues.
Major General Trevor Bredenkamp, responsible for the Army Military District of Washington, reported alarming conditions, including malnutrition and inadequate living spaces for the horses.
Tragically, the neglect contributed to the loss of two horses, while others suffered from serious infestations.
Buchanan revealed disturbing details, such as one horse consuming a dangerous amount of sand and gravel, which ultimately resulted in its demise.
In response to these concerns, he has called for a formal inquiry by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) into the treatment of the horses.
Future of Horse-Drawn Funerals
Since the suspension, 18 out of the original 64 horses have been retired.
To continue providing military escorts during this time, the Army has resorted to using hearses from local funeral homes.
During a recent congressional hearing, Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, strongly criticized the Army for failing to provide adequate resources for the caisson platoon, emphasizing that these honors should reflect the highest standards of excellence.
The new amendment specifies that the horse herd should consist of four squads, each comprising 11 horses.
It highlights the importance of having military officials work in concert with equine specialists to certify the horses’ health, training, and overall fitness.
The Army may proceed with limited caisson services even before fully meeting these benchmarks, as long as they can confirm the health of the horse herd and inform congressional committees of their readiness.
Since the pause in caisson operations, Arlington National Cemetery has conducted over 2,000 military funerals without the traditional horse-drawn ceremonies.
Nevertheless, 34 families chose to wait for the return of the caisson services.
Currently, the horses are grazing on pastureland in Virginia while the Army seeks a more permanent location for their care.
According to testimonies at a recent House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, the Army Corps of Engineers is involved in identifying and securing this essential land.
In October, both Buchanan and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., requested an investigation from the GAO regarding the management practices of the 3rd Infantry Regiment’s Caisson Platoon.
As of now, the GAO has not provided a timeline for its findings.
Legislators are hopeful that the GAO will examine the steps taken to improve the horses’ living conditions as well as the factors contributing to past cases of maltreatment.
They are specifically seeking recommendations for appropriate facilities that better serve the horses and guidance on training standards for the personnel involved in their care.
Source: Stripes