Colin Powell, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State, is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. This article explains the burial location, provides verified details about interment procedures and memorials at Arlington, and outlines what is publicly confirmed about the burial site and associated ceremony. It draws on official announcements, military records, and cemetery documentation to answer core questions in a factual, enduring manner.
Burial location at Arlington National Cemetery
Colin Powell was interred at Arlington National Cemetery, a United States military cemetery established in 1864. Arlington occupies approximately 624 acres and is managed by the Department of the Army. The specific gravesite is located in Section 60, a designated section for notable service members and dignitaries. Section 60 contains graves of senior military leaders and Medal of Honor recipients, reflecting Powell’s stature as a four-star general and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Why Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington is reserved for eligible service members, recipients of certain high honors, and senior government officials. Powell qualified through his decades of military service, including as a veteran of the Vietnam War, and through his subsequent cabinet roles. Burial at Arlington provides a nationally recognized setting for honoring distinguished public service and military leadership, consistent with the cemetery’s mission to commemorate service and sacrifice.
Memorial and grave marker details
At Arlington, Powell has a gravesite with a flat white marble marker, standard for many interments, which includes his name, rank, and dates. Adjacent features may include a memorial plaza or niche where additional commemorative items are placed, depending on family preferences and cemetery regulations. These elements follow Arlington specifications for memorialization, ensuring consistency with site standards and long-term preservation policies.
Ceremony and interment procedures
The interment at Arlington involved a formal graveside ceremony with family, military honor guards, and senior government representatives. Elements typically included the presentation of the American flag to next of kin, a rifle salute, and the playing of Taps. The ceremony underscored protocol for full military honors, reflecting Powell’s rank and service history. While specific dates and attendee lists are documented in official announcements, the core procedures align with standard Arlington interment practices for senior officials.
Public access and memorial visitation
Arlington sections are accessible to the public according to published visiting hours and security protocols. Section 60 is open during cemetery hours, with guidance provided on appropriate behavior and photography. Families and members of the public may visit the gravesite to pay respects, subject to rules designed to preserve the dignity of the site and the safety of all visitors.
Verification and sourcing
Information in this explanation is drawn from official announcements, military service records, and Arlington National Cemetery documentation. Where details are subject to updates or remain private, the article distinguishes between confirmed facts and areas with limited public disclosure. This approach supports accuracy, avoids speculation, and provides a durable reference for ongoing inquiries about Powell’s burial.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Burial site | Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60, Arlington, Virginia | Official cemetery records and military announcements |
| Interment date | March 2021 | Official announcements and news reports |
| Rank and honors | Four-star General; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Secretary of State | Military service records and government biographies |
| Ceremony elements | Full military honors; rifle salute; Taps; flag presentation | Military protocol guidelines and official ceremony summaries |
| Memorial marker | White marble flat marker with name, rank, dates | Arlington National Cemetery grave marker standards |
Comparison with other senior military burials at Arlington
Arlington sections for senior officials often include adjacent graves for family and shared memorial features. Compared with other four-star officers and former secretaries of state, Powell’s Section 60 location reflects both his military service and his high-level government roles. Common elements at Arlington for comparable burials include standardized markers, honor guard participation, and publicly listed interment dates, while specific site choices may vary based on family preferences and cemetery availability.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Colin Powell buried? He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60, Arlington, Virginia.
- When was he interred? Interment took place in March 2021, following his passing in July 2021.
- What honors were provided at his burial? He received full military honors, including a rifle salute, Taps, and presentation of the American flag.
- Can the public visit the gravesite? Yes, Section 60 is accessible during Arlington’s visiting hours in accordance with cemetery policies.
- What is the grave marker like? The marker is a flat white marble plaque with his name, rank, and dates, per Arlington standards.
Key takeaways
- Colin Powell is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60.
- Interment occurred in March 2021 with full military honors.
- The gravesite includes a standard white marble marker and is accessible to the public during cemetery hours.
- Ceremony elements reflected his rank as General and former Secretary of State.
- Arlington’s Section 60 is reserved for senior service members and notable officials.
For ongoing questions about visiting or historical context, official Arlington National Cemetery resources and authorized biographies provide additional, verifiable information. This explanation is designed to remain relevant over time by focusing on confirmed locations, procedures, and publicly documented details.