[October 26, 2025] Yesterday, I received a call from radio host Joe Griffies, who will have on his show today a representative of The Arlington Ladies. These are ladies (and one gentleman) who volunteer at Arlington National Cemetery to be present at every funeral without exception. Volunteerism in America is a strong tradition, and America leads the world in the rate of volunteerism.
The high rate of volunteerism in America and other English-speaking nations stems from a longstanding tradition rooted in their Christian heritage and a cultural drive to improve their communities. As society becomes more secular and inward-looking, it is expected that volunteerism will decline worldwide, and that is exactly what is happening.
Today, I’ll be highlighting a group that ensures that every burial in Arlington is accompanied by someone connected to the U.S. military. These women are either wives of military men, daughters, or retired service members themselves. And their numbers are growing; a good news story in a world moving away from volunteers making an impact on their society.
“The Arlington Ladies are a group of volunteers who attend funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery to ensure that no Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Coast Guardsman is buried alone.”- Arlington Cemetery Funerals
These ladies are officially part of the funeral service, representing the military’s Chief of Staff. They deliver condolence cards to the next of kin from the Chief and his spouse on behalf of the service family and from the Arlington Lady herself. Most of us in the military are unaware of these remarkable women unless we’ve experienced a burial at Arlington. I recommend attending a funeral and expressing your appreciation to these volunteers.
The thumbnail of this article shows Paula McKinley, chair of the Navy Arlington Ladies, and Seaman J. Sanchez, a Ceremonial Guard escort. They are giving honors during a Navy Captain’s funeral service. While Ms. McKinley was present, she was not related to the Navy Captain but considers herself family. And, yes, this is what separates those who volunteer from ordinary people.
Each branch holds its own ceremonies a little differently at the cemetery just outside Washington D.C. in Arlington, Va., McKinley says. But the Ladies have a fundamental role at every service. “We are not mourners, and this is not sad. This is an honor,” she says. “I need to be here for my families…”
Each Lady wears respectful, subdued civilian clothing and is escorted by the Honor Guard for Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard ceremonies, and by the Navy Ceremonial Guard for Navy events, to the gravesite, where she stands solemnly during the procession and ceremony. They attend all funerals of all religious denominations, regardless of the weather.
NOTE: Below is link to the Welcome Home Veterans radio show on every Sunday from 9AM to 11AM www.wwacradio.com.
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Thanks for alerting us to The Ladies of Arlington. If only more folks too care in caring for our lost soldiers.
I’m happy that there are American women out and about showing the world that American women are not all crazy bitches on drugs and running around protesting everything that happens. Ladies from Arlington, keep up the great works you gals are doing and showing that giving respect earns you great respect in return.
They are cool. 🙏. God bless the Arlington Ladies.
These ladies are doing something that is good. And that is rather rare these days as radical Muslims and political leftists make death threats and assault and murder. In the midst of all this, the Arlington Ladies are ensuring that no military person is buried without someone there to honor them. Yes, I know that a chaplain will be there and maybe some military guards, but that’s it. Thank you Ladies, your honor is impressive.
🙏 Praying for these ladies. 🙏
American volunteerism is not yet dead. But I foresee a fall in volunteers because they see so many taking advantage of us taxpayers.
Julia, sad but too true for most of us. For those naysayers who would object, I ask you to volunteer for something and see. One of the places I give my personal time – along with my wife – is at the local country food kitchen. There we feed about 250 people per meal, mostly on weekends (that’s when I give my time there) and I see the same folks looking for a handout every time. They make no effort to improve themselves and I’ve offered jobs (they look at me like I’m crazy). Why work when you can get a handout? But I’m still there because a minority of these folks are good folks who have fallen on hard times temporarily. As soon as they can, they will get back on their feet and be productive members of our community. I do my volunteer work for them, not the hangers-on.
I hope to catch the show. My question is, “Will Mr. Griffies write a column for Veterans Day?” I hope to read more from him.
Tocqueville recognized this in American society which can be read here: “Democracy in America — Volume 1 by Alexis de Tocqueville” https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/815
“Americans of all ages, all conditions, all minds constantly unite. … Americans use associations to give fetes, to found seminaries, to build inns, to raise churches, to distribute books, to send missionaries to the antipodes; in this manner they create hospitals, prisons, schools. Finally, if it is a question of bringing to light a truth or developing a sentiment with the support of a great example, they associate.” — Alexis de Tocqueville
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In other words …. Volunteerism and voluntary associations
Tocqueville wrote as a friend of America and also was concerned about its future in the world. ✅
If Tocqueville revisited democracy in America today, he certainly would recognize and appreciate the sheer abundance and myriad missions of the civil associations at work within it. The IRS has determined that 1.5 million nonprofit organizations merit designation as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code. Name any worthy cause or community, and in virtually every case nonprofits will have organized to advance and represent it. And these are just the formal legal entities. Their number does not include the countless, self-organizing booster groups, little leagues, bible studies, neighborhood watches, fan clubs, etc. that the government does not regulate.
Great reference. Thanks guys. … and gals. ✅