If you walk through the hallowed rows of Arlington National Cemetery, the air feels different. It’s heavy but weirdly peaceful. You’ll find the massive monuments to presidents and the high-profile sites near the Eternal Flame, but if you want to find the final resting place of General Colin Powell, you have to head toward a very specific patch of land: Section 60.
People call Section 60 the "saddest acre in America."
It’s where the men and women who fell in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried. Honestly, it’s a place of raw, recent grief. While many four-star generals and former Secretaries of State might choose a more isolated or "stately" spot near the historic mansions of the cemetery, Powell—ever the "soldier’s soldier"—is right there with the troops he once led.
The Logistics: Finding Colin Powell at Arlington Cemetery
Let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. If you’re planning a visit, don't just wander aimlessly; Arlington is 639 acres. You’ll get lost.
General Powell is buried at Section 60, Grave 11917.
His gravesite isn't a massive marble mausoleum. It’s a standard, dignified white headstone that looks almost exactly like the ones surrounding it. That was his style. The man who advised four presidents and served as the first Black Secretary of State didn't need a golden palace. He wanted to be among his own.
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The burial took place on November 5, 2021. It was a crisp Friday. Before he was brought to the cemetery, there was a massive service at the Washington National Cathedral. You had Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush—basically the entire political establishment—all sitting in one pew. But once the motorcade crossed the Potomac River and entered the gates of Arlington, the vibe shifted from a "state event" to a military farewell.
Why Section 60 is Significant
You have to understand the geography of Arlington to understand why his placement matters. Most famous historical figures are in the older sections. But Section 60 is the "active" heart of the cemetery. It’s where you see young parents sitting on blankets next to a headstone or children leaving drawings for fathers they barely remember.
By choosing (or being placed in) Section 60, Powell’s legacy is forever tied to the post-9/11 era. It’s a bit of a complicated legacy, too. He was the man who oversaw the Gulf War in 1991 with incredible success, but he was also the man who gave that 2003 speech at the UN about weapons of mass destruction. He later called that speech a "blot" on his record.
In Section 60, he is surrounded by the very people who lived and died through the consequences of those decades of American foreign policy. It’s a powerful, silent conversation between a leader and his soldiers.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Burial
Some folks think he had a "state funeral." Technically, he didn't.
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While it looked like one because of the high-profile guests, it was actually a "Special Military Funeral." There’s a difference in the protocol, though to the average person watching the caisson (the horse-drawn wagon) carry the casket, it looks just as grand.
Another thing? People often forget his wife, Alma Powell. She passed away in 2024. She is now buried alongside him. If you visit today, you’ll see both names. It’s a reminder that behind the "Thirteen Rules" and the "Powell Doctrine," there was a 59-year marriage that survived the stresses of the Pentagon and the State Department.
The Funeral That Stopped D.C.
The funeral itself was a masterclass in military precision. The "Old Guard"—the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment—handled the honors. If you’ve ever seen them perform, you know it’s haunting. Not a word is spoken. The only sounds are the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves and the "crack" of the three-volley salute.
There’s a story from that day that kinda gets to the heart of who Powell was. During the service, Richard Armitage (his old deputy and best friend) joked about how Powell was obsessed with the Swedish pop group ABBA. He actually sang "Mamma Mia" to the Swedish Foreign Minister once. That’s the guy buried in Section 60—a man who could negotiate nuclear treaties and then blast "Dancing Queen" in his car.
Key Facts for Your Visit:
- Location: Section 60, Grave 11917.
- Access: The cemetery is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- Transportation: Use the Metro (Blue Line) to the Arlington Cemetery station. Parking is available but fills up fast.
- Etiquette: Section 60 is a place of active mourning. It’s not rare to see families visiting recent graves. Keep your voice down and don't take "selfies" with the headstones. It’s just common sense, but you’d be surprised.
The Legacy Left in the Soil
Why does his grave still get so many visitors?
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Honestly, I think it’s because he represented a version of leadership that feels extinct. He was a centrist. He was a guy who grew up in the South Bronx, the son of Jamaican immigrants, and ended up as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He didn't go to West Point; he went to the City College of New York and joined the ROTC.
He was the "American Dream" in a four-star uniform.
When you stand at his grave, you’re looking at the final chapter of a 35-year military career. He saw combat in Vietnam (twice). He was wounded by a punji stake and then later saved his fellow soldiers from a burning helicopter. He earned the Soldier's Medal for that. He wasn't just a "political general." He had the "CIB" (Combat Infantryman Badge) to prove he'd been in the dirt.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're heading to Arlington to pay your respects, here is how to make the most of it without getting overwhelmed:
- Download the ANC Explorer App: The cemetery has its own app. You can plug in "Colin Powell" and it will give you turn-by-turn walking directions. It’s a lifesaver.
- Start at the Welcome Center: Pick up a physical map. Technology is great until your battery dies in the middle of a cemetery.
- Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier first: It’s a bit of a hike from there to Section 60, but it sets the right mood. The changing of the guard happens every hour (or half-hour in summer).
- Bring Water: There aren't many places to buy a drink once you’re deep into the grounds. It gets hot out there on the hills.
- Look for the Coins: You might see coins left on top of the headstones in Section 60. This is a military tradition. A penny means you visited. A nickel means you went to boot camp together. A dime means you served together. A quarter means you were there when they passed. It's a way for soldiers to tell the family, "Somebody was here."
General Colin Powell’s presence in Arlington isn't just about a name on a stone. It’s about where he chose to stand—even in death. He’s with the generation that fought the longest wars in our history. He’s with the "grunts." For a man who reached the highest heights of power, coming back down to Section 60 was the most "Powell" thing he could do.
Next Step: Check the Arlington National Cemetery official website for any scheduled ceremonies or wreath-layings, as Section 60 often hosts special tributes on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.