There are 400,000 buried at Arlington National Cemetery. New GPS technology will locate graves within three inches. There’s enough room for funerals through 2075.

Arlington is trying to expand the cemetery’s appeal beyond the Tomb of the Unknowns and John F. Kennedy’s gravesite through its “Honor. Remember. Explore.” Slogan. Those are the two must-see areas for most tourists, but there really is so much more.

“The history of every Arlington is every headstone,” said Kathryn A. Condon, Executive Director, Army National Cemeteries Program. “Explore every acre, not just the eternal flame, but every headstone.”

There was plenty of information during an update session between ANC officials and Washington tour guides on March 2.

• Spouses weren’t counted years ago so the latest update on number of those buried or cremated remains interred at ANC is 400,000. That’s a decided jump from the often-cited 330,000.
• Burials will continue at least to 2075.
• Currently, 60 percent of interments are cremations.
• ANC is currently 624 acres. But, eventual plans for taking the Navy Annex will add 42 acres. Parts of Fort Myer will be added, too.
• To overcome past poor record keeping, ANC is now using GPS technology that will soon allow the public to locate a grave within three inches of the stone.
• There will one day be kiosks beyond the visitors center the public can use to locate graves, complete with directions. Think googlemaps.
• The website makeover will include photos of every grave stone.
• There will be smart phone apps by the summer.
• Martz has taken over the old Tourmobile’s cemetery tour. You’ll recognize the trams. Aside live guides, there will also be taped tours in German, Japanese and Spanish.
• The visitors center will become a museum of sorts with more artifacts and multi-media experiences. But, that’s years off.
• The furniture will return to Arlington House on June 30 after a long restoration interrupted by earthquake damage.
• Ted Kennedy’s gravesite will have a memorial area just like his brothers John and Robert.
• Burials are now 6 to 8 weeks if including military honors, less without them. Arlington is burying about 30 people daily except Sundays.
• Best of all, the pressure is better in the water fountains. You may actually be able to drink from them. Trust me, after walking Arlington on a hot day you’ll drink like a camel.