John C. Metzler, Jr.

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John C. Metzler, Jr.

John C. Metzler, Jr. with President George W. Bush
Born September 12, 1947 (1947-09-12) (age 60)
Flag of the United States New York City, New York, USA
Occupation Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery
Spouse Kathy Metzler
Children Daniel Metzler, J. Douglas Metzler, Matthew Metzler
Parents John C. Metzler and Bernadette Metzler

John C. Metzler, Jr. (born September 12, 1947), known as Jack, is the current superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,Virginia.[1].

Contents

[edit] Life & Career

Metzler first moved to Arlington National Cemetery in 1951 when his father John C. Metzler became superintendent. He lived in the cemetery from age four until he joined the United States Army in the late 1960's where he fought in the Vietnam War. Upon returning from the war, Metzler became a civilian government employee. He served as superintendent of several national cemeteries before returning to Arlington National Cemetery in 1991 as superintendent[2].

Since assuming his position at Arlington, Metzler has struggled with the dwindling grounds of the cemetery. He is working to annex surrounding land for internments; however, he is receiving opposition from environmental and historical groups[3].

Though Metzler has presided over numerous funerals of significant Americans, he is most notable for helping administer the burial of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis in 1994. His father, John C. Metzler presided over the burial of her husband, President John F. Kennedy 31 years prior.

Metzler has also served on the Department of Defense Qualifications Review Board for the U.S. Army in 2001 and 2002[4].

[edit] Trivia

Mr. Metzler appeared as himself in episode #110, entitled "In Excelsis Deo", of the television series The West Wing[5].

[edit] Quotes

  • "Many veterans dream of being buried here. These grounds speak of dignity and respect, and the magnitude of the cemetery guarantees that America will never forget service members' sacrifices."[6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ LOST Magazine - A Field of Trees and Bones
  2. ^ LOST Magazine - A Field of Trees and Bones
  3. ^ Alleged Abuse of Arlington National Cemetery: Statement of John C. Metzler, Jr., Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery
  4. ^ http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:6foszcTwflgJ:www.opm.gov/ses/qrbmembers.asp+john+c.+metzler,+jr&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=us
  5. ^ The West Wing: The White House & Real Life
  6. ^ America's sacred shrine: Arlington national cemetery | Soldiers Magazine | Find Articles at BNET.com