Where Is Jackie Kennedy Buried? A Look At Her Lasting Resting Place
When we think about American history, some figures just stand out, don't they? Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, often called Jackie Kennedy, is certainly one of those people. She was a First Lady who truly left her mark, known for her incredible style and a quiet strength during times of great sorrow. People often wonder about her life, her family, and, in a way, where her story ultimately concludes. So, it's almost natural to ask, where exactly is Jackie Kennedy buried?
Well, you know, her final resting spot is a place of deep national meaning, a very special cemetery that holds many stories from our country's past. It's a spot that, quite frankly, draws visitors from all over, seeking to pay their respects to those who shaped our history. This particular place holds a quiet dignity, a feeling of remembrance that, you know, just stays with you.
For Jackie, her burial location is not just a simple grave; it's a reflection of her enduring connection to her family and to a moment in time that changed the nation forever. It’s a place where her personal journey, one filled with both immense joy and profound sadness, finally found its peaceful end, arguably right where it was meant to be.
Table of Contents
- Jackie Kennedy Onassis: A Brief Biography
- The Final Resting Place for a First Lady
- A Family Together at Arlington
- The Eternal Flame and a Lasting Legacy
- Visiting the Kennedy Gravesite
- Frequently Asked Questions About Jackie Kennedy's Burial
Jackie Kennedy Onassis: A Brief Biography
Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, who would later become Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was born on July 28, 1929. Her birthplace was Southampton, New York, a rather lovely spot, you know. Her father, John Vernou Bouvier III, was 38 when she arrived, and her mother, Janet Norton Lee, was 21. She was their very first child, a new beginning for her parents.
She married John F. Kennedy in 1953, which was after his election to the United States Senate, as a matter of fact. This marriage marked the start of a public life that would eventually see her become a truly iconic figure. During her time in the White House, from 1961 until 1963, she worked quite diligently on restoring the residence, making it feel more like a proper home, and, in a way, a place that reflected national pride.
Her life, of course, took a very different turn with her husband's murder in 1963. After that incredibly difficult period, she later married Aristotle Onassis. She passed away from cancer at the age of 64 in 1994, leaving behind a remarkable story. Her life was, in some respects, a very public one, yet she always carried herself with a certain grace and quiet dignity.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis |
| Born | July 28, 1929 |
| Birthplace | Southampton, New York, United States |
| Died | 1994 |
| Age at Death | 64 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Spouse(s) | John F. Kennedy (m. 1953), Aristotle Onassis |
| Role | First Lady of the United States (1961-1963), writer, socialite, book editor |
| Burial Place | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, United States |
The Final Resting Place for a First Lady
So, where is Jackie Kennedy buried? The answer is quite clear: she rests at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This famous cemetery, a place of profound significance, is where she was interred with her first husband, President John F. Kennedy. It’s a location that, you know, really holds deep meaning for many Americans, a place of quiet reflection and remembrance.
Her burial took place on a Monday, which was a very solemn occasion. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was laid to rest beside an eternal flame, a flame she herself had lit decades before at the grave of her fallen husband. This act of lighting the flame, and her later burial beside it, truly symbolizes a lasting bond, a connection that, arguably, transcends time itself.
Her son, John, spoke at her funeral, describing three attributes that truly defined her. He spoke of her love of words, the strong bonds of home she cherished, and, you know, a certain indefinable quality that made her so special. President Clinton also delivered remarks at her internment, calling her a remarkable woman whose life would forever glow in the lives of her fellow Americans. It was a very moving tribute, as a matter of fact.
The decision for President Kennedy's burial site, interestingly enough, was made by Jackie herself. Despite the wishes of some of his family members, she determined that he would be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This choice, made during a time of incredible grief, showed her resolve and her vision for how his memory would be honored, and, you know, how accessible his resting place would be for the public.
JFK's funeral, which was a moment of national grief, took place just three days after his passing, on Monday, November 25, 1963. His remains were interred at his gravesite in Virginia's Arlington National Cemetery, on an axis with the National Mall across the Potomac River. Jackie, who was, of course, present at that heartbreaking event, visited the grave a year later with her two children, a very poignant moment, you know, captured in photographs.
Jackie Kennedy, in a way, wanted his gravesite to be as accessible as possible. She believed it was important for people to be able to visit and remember him. This desire for public access shaped the design of the grave area, making it a place where, you know, anyone could come and pay their respects, a truly democratic gesture.
In December 1963, just a short time after the funeral, Jackie Kennedy returned to the grave. She was photographed kneeling in prayer among a sea of wreaths and bouquets left by recent visitors. This image, a very powerful one, conveyed her deep personal sorrow and, in some respects, her connection to the public's shared grief. It’s a moment that, you know, still resonates today.
A Family Together at Arlington
Jackie Kennedy, known also as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband, President John F. Kennedy. But they are not alone there; two of their children are also buried with them. This location, you know, really holds deep significance, providing a sense of family unity in their final resting place.
One of their children buried there was a stillborn daughter, Arabella. Interestingly, Jackie and John had initially buried Arabella at a Catholic cemetery in Rhode Island. However, after JFK’s death, Jackie made the decision to have the baby’s remains transferred to Arlington National Cemetery. This act, arguably, brought their family closer together, even in death.
The other child buried with them was one who died shortly after birth. So, resting on either side of Jack and Jackie are these two children who passed away very young. This arrangement truly creates a family plot, a place where, you know, they can all be together for eternity. It’s a quiet testament to their family bonds.
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was, in fact, the first member of the family interred in the Kennedy family plot at Arlington National Cemetery, buried in late November 1963. This was the beginning of their family's presence in this solemn national ground. The grave site itself was sealed off to prepare for Onassis's burial, with the family's wish for privacy being handled with military efficiency. Arlington National Cemetery bars public access during such times, ensuring a very respectful setting.
The Eternal Flame and a Lasting Legacy
A truly poignant feature of the Kennedy gravesite is the eternal flame. J.F.K. is buried next to his wife, Jackie, with this very flame burning above their gravestones. This flame is encircled with Cape Cod granite, a subtle nod to his roots, and, you know, it just keeps burning, symbolizing a memory that never fades.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was laid to rest next to this eternal flame, which she herself lit over the grave of her fallen husband 30 years prior to her own passing. As a sultry spring breeze rippled the eternal flame she lighted 31 years ago at another moment of national grief, her own burial took place. This connection to the flame, you know, really ties her story to his in a very powerful way.
The former first lady now lies near this flame that marks the grave of her first husband, President John F. Kennedy. It’s a constant reminder of their shared history and the impact they had on the nation. The flame, in a way, is a beacon of remembrance, a very visible symbol of their enduring presence in American memory.
Jackie Kennedy's life as First Lady, though tragically cut short by her husband's murder in 1963, was marked by her efforts to restore the White House, making it a place of historical beauty and national pride. She was noted for her style and elegance, qualities that, you know, really captivated the world. Her legacy extends beyond her personal sorrow, encompassing her contributions to American culture and history.
Her burial at Arlington National Cemetery, alongside her husband and children, ensures that her story remains intertwined with theirs, a permanent part of the national narrative. It’s a place where visitors can reflect not only on a president's life but also on the remarkable woman who stood by him, a woman whose life, in some respects, will forever glow in the lives of her fellow Americans. You can learn more about American historical figures on our site, which, you know, offers many fascinating stories.
Visiting the Kennedy Gravesite
For those wishing to pay their respects, the tomb of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is located within Arlington National Cemetery. It's quite accessible for visitors, though you should know a few things about getting there. The cemetery itself is in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., a very convenient location for many.
The tomb is about a 10-minute walk from the visitor center, so it’s not too far, really. If you're coming by public transport, it's roughly a 15-minute walk from the Arlington Cemetery Metro station. This makes it, you know, fairly easy to reach for anyone using the city's transit system.
One very important thing to remember is that you will not be able to drive directly to the gravesite. Visitors typically walk to the site, which, in a way, adds to the solemnity of the visit. It allows for a moment of reflection as you approach this very significant spot. For more details on visiting, you might check the official cemetery website, which, you know, has all the current information.
The area around the gravesite, with its eternal flame and the surrounding granite, offers a quiet space for contemplation. It's a place where, you know, you can truly feel the weight of history and remember the lives of those laid to rest there. It’s a very popular spot, and you'll often see people there, quietly reflecting.
President John F. Kennedy made his first formal visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11, 1961, to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This connection to the cemetery, even before his own burial there, adds another layer of meaning to the site. It shows that, you know, this place was already important to him.
The cemetery is open to the public, allowing many to visit and experience this piece of American history firsthand. It's a place that, you know, truly honors those who served our nation, and it also serves as a poignant reminder of key moments in our past. For more insights into important historical sites, you can also explore this page , which has, arguably, some very interesting details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackie Kennedy's Burial
Is Jackie Kennedy buried next to JFK?
Yes, absolutely, Jackie Kennedy is buried right next to her first husband, President John F. Kennedy. Their graves are side by side at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. It's a very symbolic arrangement, you know, keeping them together in their final resting place.
Are Jackie Kennedy's children buried with her?
Yes, Jackie Kennedy is buried with two of her children. One was a stillborn daughter, Arabella, and the other was a child who died shortly after birth. They rest on either side of Jackie and JFK, completing the family plot there, a very touching detail, you know.
Can you visit Jackie Kennedy's grave?
Yes, you can visit Jackie Kennedy's grave at Arlington National Cemetery. It's open to the public, though you cannot drive directly to the gravesite. You'll need to walk there from the visitor center or the Metro station, which is, you know, a fairly easy walk for most people.
Jackie Kennedy gravesite | Grave of Jackie Kennedy Onassis A… | Flickr
Tomb of Jackie Kennedy Onassis at Arlington National Cemetery Stock
Grave of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis at Arlington National Cemetery
