Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata had the opportunity on Monday for a special tour and briefing at Arlington National Cemetery.

The briefings for Members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs focused on the careful procedures and honors observed by Arlington National Cemetery in the burial, ceremonies and upkeep of the monuments for each Veteran that is buried there.

Arlington National Cemetery hosts 4 million visitors each year, and continues to plan and repurpose contiguous land to accommodate those entitled to burial there.

The tour and briefing included the Caisson Stables, housing the horses for funeral ceremonies that include horse-drawn caissons for honored veterans’ caskets. During military funerals at Arlington, responsibilities are carried out by the famous “Old Guard,” the 3rd Infantry Regiment, which includes highly trained personnel for the honorable roles of being a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or serving in the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon as a Military Horseman, in the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, or the Presidential Escort Platoon.

“Over the years, I’ve attended full honors funerals, including a soldier who gave all in Iraq, and a dignitary in former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, but it’s heartwarming to see that Arlington National Cemetery takes pride in maintaining the same ceremony, care and dignity for each one so honored, across all military ranks, regardless of how many people are in attendance,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Like so many of our people in American Samoa, I’m from a military family, and it’s exceedingly special to see the United States uphold this commitment to honoring these heroes and patriots.”

“For my part, it’s an honor to work to serve our Veterans on this Committee, and I can’t express my appreciation to the U.S. Army for briefing us and hosting this tour, as is so touching to see.”