The U.S. Army’s Caisson Detachment returned to Arlington National Cemetery this week for the first time in two years, resuming its centuries-old tradition of honoring fallen service members and veterans with a horse-drawn procession. The ceremony took place in Section 62 of the cemetery, where the remains of Private Bernard Curran, a World War II soldier who died in 1942 while imprisoned by the Japanese, were laid to rest. Curran’s remains were identified by U.S. military authorities last year, and his final resting place was chosen as Arlington, a hallowed site for American war heroes.
The restoration of the Caisson unit followed a two-year suspension that began in May 2023, when the Army temporarily halted its operations after two horses died within 96 hours of each other due to dangerous living conditions and poor care. The incident sparked an investigation that revealed widespread neglect in the stables at Fort Myer, where aging horses were fed low-quality hay, exposed to parasites from standing in their own waste, and had no proper feeding systems to prevent gravel ingestion. The Army’s report cited decades of underinvestment as a key factor in the crisis.
As part of a $28 million overhaul, the Army invested in renovating the stables, which had been built in 1908, and introduced state-of-the-art feeding systems and rubber matting to prevent issues like gravel impaction. The overhaul also included hiring civilian horse experts and training Army personnel in equine care. Lt. Col. Jason Crawford, a trained Army veterinarian and horseman, was appointed as the new Caisson Detachment commander, overseeing a complete transformation of the unit’s approach to horse welfare.
The Caisson Detachment, part of the 3rd Infantry Regiment known as the Old Guard, has been responsible for transporting flag-draped coffins to Arlington for over 70 years, a tradition rooted in centuries of military history. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the ceremony, stating, “The Caisson units in the military go back hundreds of years… to show respect and love for their soldiers who have served honorably.”
With the program now restored, the Caisson unit continues its vital role in honoring the fallen, ensuring that the legacy of this ancient military tradition is preserved for future generations.