Friday, April 4, 2025 at 3:00pm

Dale's niche design

Dale Johnston Handley, Sr. enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on September 1, 1965 and served until August 30, 1968. Dale completed three 6-month tours in Vietnam and achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. Dale earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Dale was honorably discharged.

Dale, a proud veteran, always hoped for inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery. This wish is fulfilled with military funeral honors and inurnment in a Columbarium niche at 15:00 EST on Friday, April 4, 2025.

Ceremony

  • Arrive at Arlington National Cemetery via Memorial Avenue by 2:15pm 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 22211 Apple Maps - Google Maps - Bing Maps
  • Review the Visitor Screening details, and note:
    • All attendees 16 years of age and older must present valid photo identification
    • Prohibited items: Explosives, Firearms, Knives (blades more than 4 inches in length), Narcotics, Fireworks, Alcohol
  • Gate guards will direct you to park in queuing lanes
  • Signs will let you know which lane is dedicated to your service
  • Proceed to the Administration Building
  • Meet the Arlington National Cemetery representative and review service details
  • Professional photographs and video will be taken by Mattox Photography
  • Family photos will be taken before the ceremony
  • Procession from the administration building to the Columbarium at 3:00pm
  • Dale’s urn will be placed in the wall
  • A Protestant military chaplain will provide a brief religious service
  • The US Marine Corps Firing Party will volley rifle shots
  • Taps will be played by a Bugler
  • Dale’s funeral flag will be folded and presented to his son
  • The service will conclude between 3:20pm and 3:30pm

Attendee Preparation

Arlington National Cemetery requires 100% ID checks at all entrances. All funeral attendees and visitors 16 years of age and older (pedestrians, drivers and passengers) must present a valid photo identification upon entering the cemetery.

  • Visitors 18 years of age and older must present a valid U.S. state or federal government-issued photo identification for entry.
  • Visitors 16 and 17 years old who do not have a U.S. state or federal government-issued photo identification may present an official school-issued photo identification for entry.
  • Persons who are not U.S. citizens must present a valid passport or U.S. State Department-issued photo identification for entry.

Arlington National Cemetery suggests wearing attire that is appropriate for the season, but also respects the dignity of the occasion. Proper footwear that allows mobility on hard and soft surfaces is recommended.

Ceremony Protocols

What do I do when the soldiers salute? The military salutes in a variety of situations. If you are not in the military, or are in civilian clothes, you are invited to place your right hand over your heart when the soldiers salute during a military funeral. You can cue off what the soldiers are doing to know when to place your hand over your heart.

How do I honor the flag? The general rules of thumb are: If you are moving past the flag and it is not moving, place your right hand over your heart as you pass. If you are standing still and the flag is passing, place your hand over your heart as the flag passes.

What should I do if I have other protocol questions? When in doubt, ask! The Cemetery Representative, who represents Arlington National Cemetery at every service, would be delighted to explain it all to you.

Can I take pictures? Yes. All photos and the video taken by Mattox photography will also be shared.

More Information from Arlington National Cemetery

Addresses

Handley Graves at Arlington National Cemetery

John McMurchy Handley, Dale’s grandfather, served in the US Coast Guard. He is buried with his wives Lavina and Elnora. His grave site is 9844-A-RH.

William F. Handley, Dale’s father’s youngest brother known as “Uncle Bud,” served in the US Navy. He is buried with his wife Agnes. His grave site is 9844-A-LH.