Ruth Bader Ginsburg is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, alongside her husband, Martin Ginsburg. Her burial followed a private graveside ceremony in September 2020, after her death from metastatic pancreatic cancer. The site is Section 45, Grave 22, in proximity to other notable graves. This verified explainer outlines the location, interment facts, and ceremonial details, while situating the placement within Arlington’s policies and public interest context.
Burial Location and Section Details
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is interred at Arlington National Cemetery, a United States military cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, managed by the Department of the Army. Her specific gravesite is Section 45, Grave 22. This location places her near several other prominent figures, while adhering to Arlington’s eligibility and allocation protocols. The site was selected to accommodate her wishes for a private resting place close to family, consistent with military cemetery regulations.
Grave Location and Coordinates
- Section: 45
- Grave: 22
- General Area: near Megarian Terrace and the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame
Interment Ceremony and Timing
Ginsburg’s interment occurred in a private graveside ceremony at Arlington in September 20 earlier public lying in repose at the Supreme Court and state funeral events preceded the final burial. No public viewing or visitation was held at the cemetery, aligning with family preferences for privacy. The ceremony included close family and dignitaries observed in accordance with Arlington security and protocol procedures.
Relationship to Spouse and Precedent
She is buried adjacent to her husband, Martin Ginsburg, who was interred at Arlington in 2010. This decision reflects a common familial arrangement permitted by Arlington policy, which allows spouses and eligible dependents to be buried together. The site maintains continuity with the couple’s expressed wishes for rest near one another, following Martin’s established gravesite.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Arlington National Cemetery, Section 45, Grave 22 | Military cemetery records |
| Interment Date | September 2020 (private graveside ceremony) | Family and Arlington statements |
| Spouse Burial | Adjacent to Martin Ginsburg (Section 45, Grave 21) | Arlington burial registry |
| Ceremony Type | Private, family-only | News reports and official notices |
| Eligibility Basis | Spousal burial rights at Arlington | Arlington National Cemetery eligibility guidelines |
Public Interest and Media Narrative
Requests to visit or memorialize Ginsburg’s gravesite surged after her death, reflecting her cultural impact. However, the family and Arlington officials maintained privacy around the exact location and visitation. This balance between public respect and private mourning is common for Supreme Court justices, and Arlington continues to manage access in line with security and preservation standards for the cemetery.
Arlington Policies and Eligibility
Arlington National Cemetery reserves most in-ground graves for active duty service members, recipients of the Medal of Honor, and certain eligible veterans and their spouses. Ginsburg qualified through her spouse’s prior burial and her own status as a public figure with eligible burial rights. This policy context helps explain why her resting place is within Arlington and not in a different public or private cemetery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ruth Bader Ginsburg buried? She is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 45, Grave 22, beside her husband, Martin Ginsburg. Her interment followed a private ceremony in September 2020. The site is not open to public visitation, consistent with family wishes and Arlington protocols. This location reflects both personal and policy considerations for burial at a military cemetery.
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg burial, Arlington National Cemetery, RBG gravesite, Supreme Court justice burial, Section 45 Arlington