Fact Check: Medgar Evers was buried at Arlington because he had been a soldier in World War II.

Fact Check: "Medgar Evers was buried at Arlington because he had been a soldier in World War II."

What We Know

Medgar Evers, a prominent civil rights activist and the first Mississippi field secretary for the NAACP, was indeed buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting in 1943 and serving in segregated units in Europe until his honorable discharge in 1946 (National Park Service) [source-1]. His military service is a significant aspect of his biography, as it shaped his views on racial equality and justice, which he later championed through his civil rights work.

Evers was assassinated in 1963, and his burial at Arlington was conducted with full military honors, reflecting his status as a veteran (U.S. Army and Civil Rights Veteran) [source-4]. The decision to inter him at Arlington is often linked to his military service, as the cemetery is a resting place for those who have served in the armed forces.

Analysis

The claim that Medgar Evers was buried at Arlington because he had been a soldier in World War II is supported by multiple credible sources. The U.S. National Park Service notes that Evers is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, emphasizing his military background and civil rights legacy (National Park Service) [source-1]. Additionally, his memorial page on the Veterans Legacies site explicitly states that he served in World War II and is interred at Arlington (Honor Veterans Legacies) [source-2].

The reliability of these sources is high. The National Park Service is a federal agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the United States, while the Veterans Legacies site is focused on honoring veterans and their contributions. Both sources provide factual information about Evers's life, military service, and burial.

Moreover, the historical context surrounding Evers's life and death reinforces the claim. His military service not only contributed to his identity as a civil rights leader but also played a role in the public's perception of him. The burial at Arlington serves as a recognition of his contributions both as a soldier and as a civil rights activist (Washington Post) [source-6].

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Medgar Evers was buried at Arlington National Cemetery due to his service as a soldier in World War II is accurate. His military background is a significant part of his identity, and it is recognized in the honor of his burial at this prestigious site. The evidence from multiple reliable sources supports this assertion, confirming the connection between his military service and his burial location.

Sources

1. Medgar Wiley Evers - U.S. National Park Service
2. Medgar W Evers' memorial page - Honor Veterans Legacies at VLM
3. Medgar Evers grave site at Arlington Cemetery, Arlington Virginia
4. Medgar Evers - U.S. Army and Civil Rights Veteran
5. National Mall - Wikipedia
6. Memorial service for Medgar Evers held at Arlington National Cemetery
7. Medgar Evers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medgar_Evers)
8. Medgar Evers (1925-1963) - Find a Grave Memorial