You’d expect a guy who served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State to have a massive, towering monument. Something with gold leaf or a giant marble statue. But if you head out to Colin Powell's grave at Arlington National Cemetery, that’s not what you’ll find.
Honestly, it’s kinda jarring.
He’s buried in Section 60. For those who don't know the layout of Arlington, Section 60 is a heavy place. It’s where many of the men and women who fell in Iraq and Afghanistan are laid to rest. It’s been called "the saddest acre in America." While the more famous sections of the cemetery feel like a history book, Section 60 feels like a raw, open wound. It’s filled with young parents, siblings, and friends visiting recent losses.
And right there, among the troops he once led, is General Colin Powell.
The Choice of Section 60: A Leader Among His Own
Most "notable" figures at Arlington—presidents, Supreme Court justices, five-star generals—end up in more prominent, landscaped areas near the Arlington House or the Eternal Flame. Powell didn't go that route.
By choosing (or having his family choose) Section 60, Grave 11917, he made a final statement about his career. He wasn't just a politician in a suit. He was a soldier. He wanted to be with the generation of service members that defined the latter half of his life and the wars he oversaw.
It’s a powerful move. You’ve got a four-star general resting in the same row as privates and sergeants.
What the Grave Looks Like
Don't look for anything flashy. Since 2017, Arlington has been pretty strict about grave markers. No more personalized, oversized monuments. Because of this, Powell has a standard government-issued white marble headstone.
It looks exactly like the ones surrounding it.
- Front side: His name, rank, and the years of his life (1937–2021).
- Back side: Usually lists his roles, including Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
If you weren't looking for the specific number, you might walk right past it. That’s likely the point.
The 2021 Funeral: ABBA and Bob Marley
The funeral itself was a bit of a departure from the typical, stiff military affair. While the burial at Arlington was private, the service at Washington National Cathedral on November 5, 2021, was a wild mix of high-stakes diplomacy and personal quirks.
The U.S. Army Brass Quintet played. But they didn't just play "Taps" and "Amazing Grace." They played "Dancing Queen" by ABBA.
Apparently, the General was a massive fan.
They also played Bob Marley’s "Three Little Birds." It was a nod to his Jamaican heritage—his parents immigrated from Jamaica, and he grew up in the South Bronx. It was a reminder that the man in the uniform with all the medals started from a very humble place.
How to Find Colin Powell at Arlington National Cemetery
If you’re planning a visit, you need to be prepared for a bit of a walk. The cemetery is huge—over 600 acres—and Section 60 isn't right at the front gate.
- Stop at the Welcome Center. Grab a map. Seriously. You’ll get lost otherwise.
- Use the ANC Explorer App. It’s actually pretty good. Type in "Colin Powell," and it’ll give you a GPS pin.
- Head to Section 60. It’s located in the southern part of the cemetery.
- Look for Grave 11917. The atmosphere in Section 60 is different than the rest of the park. You’ll see people leaving beer bottles, small toys, or handwritten notes on graves. It’s a "living" section of the cemetery. When you visit Powell, you’re walking through the contemporary history of the U.S. military.
Why there was drama in 2025
You might have seen some weird news lately about Powell’s name being "removed" from the cemetery’s website. Sorta true, but mostly a misunderstanding.
In early 2025, there was a bit of a shuffle with how the cemetery categorized "Notable Graves" to comply with new Department of Defense directives. His bio was temporarily moved from an "African American History" category to "Prominent Military Figures." People on social media freaked out thinking he’d been purged. He hadn't. He’s still very much a featured figure on the official tours.
The Powell Doctrine in Stone
There’s something poetic about him being in Section 60. Powell is famous for the "Powell Doctrine." Basically, it says the U.S. should only go to war if there’s a clear national security interest and if we use overwhelming force to win quickly.
He was often the "reluctant warrior."
Being buried among those who died in the "forever wars" of the 2000s—wars that didn't always follow his doctrine—is a heavy irony. It makes his gravesite a place for reflection, not just on his life, but on the last twenty years of American history.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're going to pay your respects, keep these things in mind:
- Timing: Go early. The cemetery opens at 8:00 AM. It gets incredibly humid and crowded by noon, especially in the summer.
- Respect the Families: In Section 60, you will likely see families grieving. Give them space. This isn't just a tourist site; it’s a graveyard that is still very much in use.
- Flowers: You are allowed to leave flowers at the grave. Just don't leave anything permanent or glass; the groundskeepers will remove it.
- The Walk: It’s a long trek from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to Section 60. Wear comfortable shoes. If you have mobility issues, look into the tram service, though it doesn't always stop exactly where you want.
If you want to see the "official" side of his legacy, visit the Pentagon or the State Department. But if you want to understand the man who actually wore the boots, go to Section 60. Seeing that simple white headstone among thousands of others tells you more about Colin Powell than any biography ever could.
To plan your route, you should check the official Arlington National Cemetery website for any road closures or special ceremonies that might block access to Section 60 on the day you visit.