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Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery: Where War Comes Home
Gifted writer and reporter Robert Poole opens Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery with preparations for Memorial Day when thousands of families come to visit those buried in the 624-acre cemetery, legions of Rolling Thunder motorcyclists patrol the streets with fluttering POW flags, and service members place miniature flags before each of Arlington's graves. Section 60, where many of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan have been laid to rest alongside service members from earlier wars, is a fourteen-acre plot that looms far larger in the minds and hearts of Americans. It represents a living, breathing community of fellow members of the military, family members, friends, and loved ones of those who have fallen to the new weapons of improvised explosive devices, suicide bombs, and enemies who blend in with local populations. Several of the newest recruits for Section 60 have been brought there by suicide or post-traumatic stress disorder, a war injury newly described but dating to ancient times.
Using this section as a window into the latest wars, Poole recounts stories of courage and sacrifice by fallen heroes, and explores the ways in which soldiers' comrades, friends, and families honor and remember those lost to war--carrying on with life in the aftermath of tragedy. Section 60 is a moving tribute to those who have fought and died for our country, and to those who love them.
Using this section as a window into the latest wars, Poole recounts stories of courage and sacrifice by fallen heroes, and explores the ways in which soldiers' comrades, friends, and families honor and remember those lost to war--carrying on with life in the aftermath of tragedy. Section 60 is a moving tribute to those who have fought and died for our country, and to those who love them.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2014
19 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 10, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a lot about this specific and very special section of Arlington National Cemetery. Also, if you are going to read this book, have the tissues handy -- I guarantee that you are going to need them.
A few intriguing points?
The Gold Star Mothers of America, founded in 1928 for those who had lost sons in World War I, now represents all families with loved ones killed in wartime. Following a tradition begun in the last century, Gold Star families often hang a star in their windows as a symbol of their sacrifice.
No other country goes to the effort the United States does to honor its fallen warriors, a national obsession that has its origins in the Civil War. That war, still the deadliest conflict in the country's history, claimed as many as 900,000 lives, with almost half of those going to their graves as unknowns, often without religions rites, a proper coffin, or permanent tombstones, To make up for the debasement suffered by so many in that war, a reunited nation made a conscious decision to do better in the next conflict.
I loved reading about everything that goes into providing "final honors" for our soldiers. The dedication that these soldiers shows is unwavering. However, there is more than what sometimes is perceived as a hard-edged martial atmosphere at these funerals. For more than half a century, this environment has been somewhat softened by the presence of the Arlington Ladies, a volunteer force who, dressed as if they were heading for an afternoon tea, turn up at every funeral with a consoling words for surviving friends and family. Often (especially for soldiers whose remains are found long after the conflict in which they served), an Arlington Lady is the only other attendee at these funerals, but it doesn't matter if there's one attendee or 50, the honor guard assigned to each funeral strives for perfection every single time they go out because that deceased soldier deserves this honor.
I am one of those weird & strange people who read EVERYTHING in a book -- the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, the acknowledgements, the appendix, etc. I would like to mention that a portion of the profits from this book will be donated to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a nonprofit organization with NO government affiliation that has been helping the surviving friends and family of service members for 20 years -- with a suicide prevention hotline, grief counseling programs, and workshops. To learn more about TAPS, visit their website at: http://taps.org/WaysToDonate
Finally, a huge THANK-YOU to all of our veterans, and especially to those who did make the ultimate sacrifice!
A few intriguing points?
The Gold Star Mothers of America, founded in 1928 for those who had lost sons in World War I, now represents all families with loved ones killed in wartime. Following a tradition begun in the last century, Gold Star families often hang a star in their windows as a symbol of their sacrifice.
No other country goes to the effort the United States does to honor its fallen warriors, a national obsession that has its origins in the Civil War. That war, still the deadliest conflict in the country's history, claimed as many as 900,000 lives, with almost half of those going to their graves as unknowns, often without religions rites, a proper coffin, or permanent tombstones, To make up for the debasement suffered by so many in that war, a reunited nation made a conscious decision to do better in the next conflict.
I loved reading about everything that goes into providing "final honors" for our soldiers. The dedication that these soldiers shows is unwavering. However, there is more than what sometimes is perceived as a hard-edged martial atmosphere at these funerals. For more than half a century, this environment has been somewhat softened by the presence of the Arlington Ladies, a volunteer force who, dressed as if they were heading for an afternoon tea, turn up at every funeral with a consoling words for surviving friends and family. Often (especially for soldiers whose remains are found long after the conflict in which they served), an Arlington Lady is the only other attendee at these funerals, but it doesn't matter if there's one attendee or 50, the honor guard assigned to each funeral strives for perfection every single time they go out because that deceased soldier deserves this honor.
I am one of those weird & strange people who read EVERYTHING in a book -- the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, the acknowledgements, the appendix, etc. I would like to mention that a portion of the profits from this book will be donated to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a nonprofit organization with NO government affiliation that has been helping the surviving friends and family of service members for 20 years -- with a suicide prevention hotline, grief counseling programs, and workshops. To learn more about TAPS, visit their website at: http://taps.org/WaysToDonate
Finally, a huge THANK-YOU to all of our veterans, and especially to those who did make the ultimate sacrifice!
July 17, 2022
Arlington was among my favorite places to visit in Washington D.C.
This book tells great stories of those buried there as well as some interesting facts and information about the cemetery. Would recommend
This book tells great stories of those buried there as well as some interesting facts and information about the cemetery. Would recommend
November 19, 2014
"Most of the recent arrivals in Section 60 come from Iraq and Afghanistan, but they rest among warriors from earlier conflicts: from Vietnam, Korea, and even World War II. " Section 60 was a fluidly written story of the brave soldiers that risked everything to defend our great country. I started reading this book on Veterans Day. It is a sobering and sad read, but really brings the reader graveside, among the family, friends and comrades who visit Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery daily. Poole has done an excellent job telling the story of those Veterans who have been laid to rest: Cpl. Derek Allen Wyatt. Army Capt. Russell Brian Rippetoe. Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp. Master Sgt. Sean Mocabee. So many who laid their lives down for our freedom. This was a very difficult book to read, learning the stories of those who sacrificed everything on the battlefield. But a must read in continuing to understand the hell that is war and the hurt and heartache of those left behind.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Bloomsbury via a Goodreads Giveaway.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Bloomsbury via a Goodreads Giveaway.
April 5, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book documenting the soldiers buried in section 60. As the daughter of a Section 66 Marine I felt the stories reflected how anyone who has been there feels about this hallowed ground.
October 9, 2017
Robert Poole writes well researched and moving stories about the heroes buried at Arlington and the survivors left to mourn them in Section 60. Poole covered a variety of stories from the first casualties of the Global War on Terror, the suffering families of PTSD, the unlikely faces of terrorists, IED casualties, friendly fire casualties and repatriation of long dead soldiers from wars past. America has come a long way through each war/conflict in recognizing the sacrifice many have made in large part to survivors who help others see how important it is to “provide missing warriors with an identity and giving a place for them to rest with honor.”
I think Bonnie Carroll said it best...”Americans who want to know the caliber of people who served their nation in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam would do well to read Section 60: Arlington Cemetery.” These people were not perfect but they did something most Americans will never be asked to do. I appreciate Mr. Poole for writing this real book about real lives.
I think Bonnie Carroll said it best...”Americans who want to know the caliber of people who served their nation in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam would do well to read Section 60: Arlington Cemetery.” These people were not perfect but they did something most Americans will never be asked to do. I appreciate Mr. Poole for writing this real book about real lives.
November 9, 2015
This is a very well researched book with some awesome stories in it. The author also goes into the Old Guard and the hours they train and practice for a funeral, drilling, folding the flag , proper spacing and being line for the rifle salute to name a few. There are 56 soldiers and over 60 horses, and they still follow the tradition started from the civil war. The Marine Corps. Who have their Barracks at 8th and I Streets, S.E. IN Washington, where they have held the ground since 1801. They practice with trash cans loaded with weights doing the slow marching in the dim recess of a basement parking lot, making sure everything is exact. The Marines recruit anyone over six feet tall, and then put them through a rigorous training before they are even allowed to do a funeral. They must bench press 225, seat- press 135, curling a straight bar with 115 pounds, and dead lift 315. The Marines have three men per side for each burial and the other branches have four. This is pride in doing more with less. There is also a very new tradition called “The Ladies of Arlington” who stand in for the family if no one is there, now they make contact with the family and help with what is going on that day. Each story is very moving and the author being able to speak to the members families was really a plus for this book. In a book I read earlier this year tilted the ‘The Reaper” about a Ranger sniper Nicholas Irving, he speaks of a day when they came under attack and were in battle for 20 hours before anyone could be med i vac out. One Ranger was Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp. A 21 year old Ranger who died in 2009 but it was days later before they heard about his death, and they were also told that he saved someone life by organ donation. That was all you found out in the book. In this book the author meet a 61 year old woman. Meikle had never meet Koop or anyone from his family. But she traveled from Illinois to section 60 four years later because she is doing great and she would not be alive if it was not for that Army Ranger. Meikles’s friends made it to service and put it on speaker phone so she could hear. She got his heart another man got a kidney. A part of the story that I thought was strange. Was she has now started to have a craving for green beans and she did not like them before the transplant. Talking to his mother it happened to be his favorite food. She now does speaking engagements about organ donation, she has become a friend to his mother. This is just one there are many, many more and each one is very moving. Weather it is a Seal and then each member coming up and pounding their Trident into the casket I cannot imagine the sound that make. I am sure if people look into their families they just might have someone buried there. I have an Aunt and an Uncle who were both Marines and my uncle fought in Vietnam, and wanted to be buried there when he passed. So this was a great book for me to read and the stories were great. I got this book from net galley.
October 29, 2014
Robert Poole has written a book that will capture the minds and hearts of people. He takes section 69 from ArlingtonNational Cemetery and tells the stories about some of the men who found their way into the cemetery. When I first received the book I was not sure that it would be very interesting, to discuss a part of the national cemetery, but by giving us the stories of how the men came to reside in the cemetery, their families etc. it was a wonderful book and I did not want it to end. Great job.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
October 30, 2014
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
This book does a great job of capturing your attention and holding on to it. I thought it was interesting the way the author did the writing for this book,. It was itneresting to read some of the stories of the men in that section of the cemetery. I will admit I was a little iffy about whether I would enjoy this book, but by the end of the book I really did enjoy it. i can even see myself reading similar books like this. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little different.
This book does a great job of capturing your attention and holding on to it. I thought it was interesting the way the author did the writing for this book,. It was itneresting to read some of the stories of the men in that section of the cemetery. I will admit I was a little iffy about whether I would enjoy this book, but by the end of the book I really did enjoy it. i can even see myself reading similar books like this. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little different.
November 11, 2014
The kind of book that every patriotic American should read. I couldn't put it down. This book was haunting, and I will definitely read it again. I won this book from Good Reads Early Reads, and I love it. I would definitely recommend it.
April 8, 2015
An excellent sharing of the stories of a few of service members and their families. The diverse nature of these individuals, and different manner of their deaths while their service to our country unites them all with many more in Section 60...
December 3, 2014
Very moving. Wish I had read this book before visiting Arlington National Cemetery.
December 20, 2014
I was fascinated by this book. A great read!
Read
May 28, 2025I was moved and inspired by "Section 60;" and found it to be well written, carefully researched, and extensively noted.
Initially I was expecting more of a general history of "Arlington National;" but discovered, from Chapter 2 on, that it focused on a specific area of Arlington National Cemetery called 'Section 60,' and the groups and specific service men (& women) who are buried there - telling their stories, and the stories of surviving family who come to ANC to remember.
- to get the overall history of ANC I will need to read R. M. Poole's previous/companion title "On Hallowed Ground"
I 'enjoyed' the last chapter titled "Final Honors" the most. I found it very educational, in that it detailed the history, make-up, rigorous training, and mission of the Honor Guards that coordinate, and attend to the details of every US Military 'laying to rest.' - particularly those at Arlington. Even though I have been present at many services for deceased service men (including my own Father,) I wasn't aware of how difficult a duty being assigned to the Honor Guard is.
Definitely recommend "Section 60!"
Initially I was expecting more of a general history of "Arlington National;" but discovered, from Chapter 2 on, that it focused on a specific area of Arlington National Cemetery called 'Section 60,' and the groups and specific service men (& women) who are buried there - telling their stories, and the stories of surviving family who come to ANC to remember.
- to get the overall history of ANC I will need to read R. M. Poole's previous/companion title "On Hallowed Ground"
I 'enjoyed' the last chapter titled "Final Honors" the most. I found it very educational, in that it detailed the history, make-up, rigorous training, and mission of the Honor Guards that coordinate, and attend to the details of every US Military 'laying to rest.' - particularly those at Arlington. Even though I have been present at many services for deceased service men (including my own Father,) I wasn't aware of how difficult a duty being assigned to the Honor Guard is.
Definitely recommend "Section 60!"
March 21, 2018
Just like the title says, this book is about Section 60 at Arlington. It's a good introduction to the cemetery, but views everything through the lens of the section where active-duty deaths from the current conflicts are laid to rest.
There is a small amount of big picture history here along with some coverage of the people who make the operation of the cemetery possible, but the biggest share of the content focuses on around a diverse group of around dozen individuals and how they came to be buried here.
The book is a bit on the short side - I smashed through this in two days and was surprised by how much space is given to back matter. I'm hoping his book Sacred Ground tells the larger story with a broader lens.
There is a small amount of big picture history here along with some coverage of the people who make the operation of the cemetery possible, but the biggest share of the content focuses on around a diverse group of around dozen individuals and how they came to be buried here.
The book is a bit on the short side - I smashed through this in two days and was surprised by how much space is given to back matter. I'm hoping his book Sacred Ground tells the larger story with a broader lens.
December 20, 2019
I recently took an interest in Arlington National Cemetery and the Old Guard. This was the third book on the subject I have read. Section 60 is full of historical information of Arlington. Heartwarming stories behind some of the honored dead breakfast bye this section to life I strongly recommend this book
May 25, 2025
I fittingly finished this book during Memorial Day weekend 2025, which was especially poignant given this book's focus. Each chapter focuses on the people underneath the gravestones at America's most famous cemetery. It gives a human element to each of the names - and dashes - on the gravestones in Section 60. A riveting story of stories, and I'd read more from this author.
April 11, 2021
Excellent read
I read Robert Poole's other Arlington book, On Hallowed Ground years ago and was enthralled as a history lover and military family. This book is shorter, yet a great read with emotional stories. Mr. Poole is clearly passionate about his subject.
I read Robert Poole's other Arlington book, On Hallowed Ground years ago and was enthralled as a history lover and military family. This book is shorter, yet a great read with emotional stories. Mr. Poole is clearly passionate about his subject.
July 4, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author brings the men to life who died while serving the country through family interviews and photos, while illustrating the families loss and grief.
July 28, 2017
A personal and often heart breaking look at the section of Arlington National Cemetery where the majority of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan have been laid to rest since 2001.
February 29, 2024
This one hits home.
June 15, 2025
Great read with heartfelt stories of much admired soldiers who have been buried, history details, and traditions performed at Arlington National Cemetery.
August 21, 2016
I was first introduced to Poole's writing through On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery which I read while visiting Arlington earlier this year. This newer title focuses on the Veterans laid to rest in Section 60, primarily those who didn't survive Iraq, Afghanistan and other recent conflicts-whether they died in combat, in a training accident, from PTSD or other causes. Like with Hallowed Ground, Poole's writing brings these subjects to live - their stories and their families keep them alive. By the end of the sections about them, I felt as if I knew Rusty Rippletoe, Toz, Ben Kopp, Ross McGinnis, AJ Baddick, Sean Moccabe, Jimmy, Malachowski, and others. I liked his style of citations, leaving them for the end unless they were needed immediately for context so as not to take away from the stories.
His thoughts about Section 60 serving as our generation's Vietnam Wall are quite true, and an angle I hadn't thought of. Families can go visit their loved ones and be in the company of those doing the same. I love that Roderick Gainer and his team at the Army's Center of Military History is preserving some of these mementoes to best tell the story of those lost to war. Poole did an excellent job covering all branches of service as well as those whose deaths didn't make the front page, he makes it clear PTSD is just as valid a war death as a combat one, and those need not to be forgotten.
Poole also touched on some of the themes he did in Hallowed Ground, especially the role of JFK's assassination in making Arlington not only a tourist destination, but also a place for burial. "Kennedy's funeral inspired many veterans, who decided that if Arlington was good enough for JFK, it was good enough for them too" I also liked how he touched on those POW/MIA who technology has helped bring home, and the Arlington Ladies who make sure they're never brought home alone.
I wish Poole would write more about Arlington, it's a story that needs telling.
His thoughts about Section 60 serving as our generation's Vietnam Wall are quite true, and an angle I hadn't thought of. Families can go visit their loved ones and be in the company of those doing the same. I love that Roderick Gainer and his team at the Army's Center of Military History is preserving some of these mementoes to best tell the story of those lost to war. Poole did an excellent job covering all branches of service as well as those whose deaths didn't make the front page, he makes it clear PTSD is just as valid a war death as a combat one, and those need not to be forgotten.
Poole also touched on some of the themes he did in Hallowed Ground, especially the role of JFK's assassination in making Arlington not only a tourist destination, but also a place for burial. "Kennedy's funeral inspired many veterans, who decided that if Arlington was good enough for JFK, it was good enough for them too" I also liked how he touched on those POW/MIA who technology has helped bring home, and the Arlington Ladies who make sure they're never brought home alone.
I wish Poole would write more about Arlington, it's a story that needs telling.
January 18, 2015
I ride by Arlington Cemetery two times a week on my way to work. I often glance up at Arlington House and can see the tombstones of many fallen heroes as I ride by on Metro. Every time I visit Arlington I am no different than other tourists and we visit the popular spots at the cemetery. The next time I go I will take a left hand turn and leave the crowds as they head up the long walk to visit JFK and make my way over to section 60 to pay my respects to our latest heroes.
I have read Mr. Poole's history or Arlington cemetery and found that to be excellent. This book was no different. The stories of our soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are chronicled here and their journey to Arlington. This book was difficult to read at times but the author handles the subject was sensitivity. Whether you are a supporter of our recent wars or not, every American should read this book.
Excellent.
Thank you troops for your service and a special thanks for those who "gave the last full measure" for their country and our freedoms.
I have read Mr. Poole's history or Arlington cemetery and found that to be excellent. This book was no different. The stories of our soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are chronicled here and their journey to Arlington. This book was difficult to read at times but the author handles the subject was sensitivity. Whether you are a supporter of our recent wars or not, every American should read this book.
Excellent.
Thank you troops for your service and a special thanks for those who "gave the last full measure" for their country and our freedoms.
January 9, 2015
I won SECTION 60: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY: WHERE WAR COMES HOME, by Robert M. Poole as a GoodReads give away. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very interesting and gave quite a bit of information about Arlington Cemetery, as well as the stories of some of our service men and women who are buried there. The book was well written to be interesting and emotional but not a tear-jerker. The statistics were very much eye opening as to the sheer number of casualties our armed services have suffered. I especially liked the section describing the hours of practice and preparations which go into the funerals honoring this country's fallen warriors. Mr. Poole very successfully mixed factual data and personal accounts from interviews with family members, friends, co workers of the fallen warriors. This is definitely a good choice for any one interested in history, or in knowing more about Arlington.
May 27, 2015
How fitting that I read this over the Memorial Day weekend, and am so glad that I did. Section 60 is the final resting place for soldiers of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as those whose remains have recently been located and identified from previous wars. Author Poole honestly but respectfully highlights the backstories of a number of fallen soldiers, many whom have died in combat but also those who have brought the war home with them and could only see one means of escape. Poole brings humanity to the row-upon-row of identical white marble crosses. A particularly interesting chapter features the members of the Old Guard, the men and women whose responsibility is to provide the pomp and circumstance to bring their fallen comrades to their eternal home.
June 30, 2016
I actually have an ARC that I won from a goodreads giveaway a couple years ago that I finally got around to read, so I knew I'd be seeing some grammatical mistakes and other editing issues. I also I know that my copy is not complete like the official edition out now. Nevertheless, this was such a tear jerking, touching and moving work. You feel both proud and saddened. Selfishly, I hoped to come across a friend's name, Sgt. Lucas Pyeatt, who is buried in section 60, but I know his story gets told by family and friends. Although Poole could not speak about all who are buried there, their voices are still heard and their stories shared by those he was able to put on paper. Simply incredible.
July 7, 2015
This is a very interesting and thought provoking read about the inhabitants of one section of Arlington National Cemetery, most of whom fought in Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Afghanistan. The author indirectly says a great deal about who is fighting (and dying in) America's wars, and--perhaps not coincidentally--how it is that so few Americans seem to realize there is still a war going on. Each separate chapter is fascinating in its own way.
I would very much like to have a copy of this book with me the next time I visit Arlington.
I would very much like to have a copy of this book with me the next time I visit Arlington.
January 18, 2015
This was a very interesting book on the history and emotional stories of Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery. It was eye opening as to the shear number of service members lost in recent wars and the wide range of circumstances that brought them to rest in Section 60. The author, Robert M. Poole, did much research on the topic and put that data together with interviews to create a very interesting book.
January 20, 2015
I visited Arlington Cemetery on Veteran's Day and was deeply moved by the ceremonies. This book has added to my respect of our military. The professionalism and care that goes on in Section 60 should make every American proud. The personal story of these graves brings home the many sacrifices that our soldiers make for our country. I highly recommend this book. Next time I am in DC, I will visit Section 60 and pay my respects to those buried there.
April 16, 2015
This book shares the stories of families of fallen troops who are laid to rest in section 60 in Arlington National Cemetery. I know many of these families personally, am interviewed in the book, and helped the author connect with some of the families. Mr. Poole truly walked the rows alongside our families and tried to capture our stories in a way that was truthful and honored what our loved ones gave this country. I am proud to have been part of this book and hope more people read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews