Over the last several years, record keeping at Washington, D.C.'s Arlington National Cemetery has improved dramatically, and now experts across the country are trying to do the same on military installations. Known as the Army National Cemeteries Program, the initiative seeks to upgrade operations to better organize the records of more than 40,000 graves, reports The Fayetteville Observer.
The process has already begun at North Carolina's Fort Bragg, where officials were working diligently to create digital records of each tombstone at the base's cemetery. It certainly is not an easy job, however. Aside from taking a picture of each headstone, workers have to cross-reference them against thousands of records to ensure the information is correct. Despite the arduous task, those participating are happy to lend a hand.
"It helps minimize any stress on grieving families who want to pay respects to their heroes," Army Spc. Barry Cunnings told the newspaper.
Arlington National Cemetery should serve as the shining example of electronic record keeping. After criticism, officials at the cemetery worked to better categorize the hundreds of thousands of graves on site. Today, the entire landmark has a searchable database that allows visitors to know exactly where their loved one is buried through click of the mouse, NPR reports.