June 99
the Administration Building, where the flag becomes an adornment of the
building.
There shall be one primary flagpole (aluminum or stainless steel) with
internal halyard, tall enough to be visible from major adjacent roadways, if
practical. Provide ample and unobtrusive flag lighting. Do not use in-
ground fixtures. The flag is flown every day, 24 hours a day, if illuminated
after dark. During interment services, the flag is lowered to half-staff. The
flag should remain visible to the maximum extent possible even when
lowered to half-staff. The flagpole shall meet FAA regulations for height
and flight safety requirements. Cemetery personnel must be able to
access the flagpole to raise and lower the flag for services. A shorter
flagpole, 4500 mm to 6000 mm (15' to 30'), in another location may
display the POW/ MIA flag. This is frequently located along the Memorial
Path.
A turf assembly area, with the U.S. flag as its focus, should be
developed for major gatherings of people on holidays. Terrain and
landscaping should define the space and create a scale that is also
comfortable for smaller gatherings. The assembly area should be located
to take advantage of views on- and off-site. Definition of the immediate
surroundings should establish a distinct open space for assemblies and
ceremonies and yet be an attractive year-round feature. The space for
assembly can serve multiple uses and should not consume land area
which could be used for interments. The design should not include
permanent seating.
The assembly area should incorporate a focal point -- an architectural
or landscape architectural feature, in the spirit of a traditional rostrum --
that can be used as a speakers' platform.
The feature should
accommodate enough portable seating for twenty dignitaries. An area
adjacent to the speakers' platform should accommodate enough portable
seating for a forty-piece band. Provide adequate electrical service to meet
ceremonial and maintenance needs. Electrical J-boxes should be out of
sight and blend into their surroundings. Provide access to water to clean
the assembly area paving. Parking for special events and programs is
accommodated on roadways and sometimes on the turf in undeveloped
interment areas.
Roadway System
The hierarchy of roads in the cemetery includes the entrance road as
a divided two-lane road leading into the system of primary and secondary
roads and service drives.
The design of all the roads should
accommodate anticipated traffic volume at a design speed of 24 km/h (15
VA Design Guide -- National Cemetery Administration
Page 2 -6
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