It will have been over two years since the last horse-drawn caisson carried a United States military member to their grave at Arlington National Cemetery when the horse-drawn caissons are again given that opportunity.

According to this article, “The U.S. Army announced . .  the limited reintegration of the caisson into funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery”.   Caissons were suspended from use in May 2023 in an attempt to improve the health and conditions of the horse herd.

The horse drawn caissons will go back into limited action beginning the week of June 2, 2025.  The “limited” reintegration is necessary to ensure the safe and sustainable reintegration of the caisson horses into the unique and dynamic environment of an active cemetery according to the press release.

Here’s what Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries had to say about the re-implementation process, “After careful consideration and coordination, we are pleased to reintegrate the caisson conveyance into funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery, a solemn and revered tradition that honors our veterans and service members as they are laid to rest”.

Renea Yates, director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and acting superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, had this to say about the re-integration of the caisson corps, “Preserving the caisson as a limited resource is paramount to the Army’s decision to redefine eligibility for the caisson conveyance in conjunction with the full military funeral honors with escort.  While (the limitation is) disappointing to some families, this decision allows us to reintegrate our working horses back to the cemetery and safely continue the sacred duty of escorting our nation’s heroes to their final resting place.”

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  For me the horse-drawn caisson is an iconic symbol.  I remember seeing it used for the funeral of President John F. Kennedy when I was in Kindergarten.

As I grew older I also learned of our family’s connection with Sen. Knute Nelson of my home community.  As the book “Norwegian Yankee” points out Nelson “was the first Scandinavian-American politician to attain national prominence, as congressman, as governor of the state of Minnesota, and as a United States Senator.  He came to personify for many of his compatriots the American dream, moving as Nelson did from inauspicious beginnings as a poor immigrant boy to the heights of political power. His career symbolized treasured images in the iconography of American political culture.”

Sen. Knute Nelson funeral cortege moves by Lake Agnes on its way to Kinkead Cemetery – 1923.

I grew up knowing of this iconic (to me) photograph of the service that was conducted for then Senator Nelson in our hometown.  Dying in 1923 while still serving as a United States Senator our family funeral home was entrusted to carry out his local funeral services.  The photograph shows his cortege moving from the city armory where services were held along the shores of Lake Agnes to his final resting place of Kinkead Cemetery.  Please note the horse-drawn caisson that was used.

More news from the world of Death Care:

• A U.S. Navy captain ordered a military funeral for a kamikaze pilot during World War II.  Here’s why.  WGN Radio 720 – Chicago (IL)
• A.W. Lymn calls for urgent action on funeral delays amid death certificate reform chaos.  Derby World (Great Britain)
• T Gamble:  Getting in early n the cremation bust craze.  Albany Herald (GA)
• On Cape Cod, water rather than fire for pet cremation.  What is it all about?  Cape Cod Times (MA)

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