According to AI:
The JFK eternal flame maintenance cost approximately $2,400 per year in the past, with a monthly cost of $200 in 2015, though the exact current cost is not publicly available, notes theclio.com. The flame runs on natural gas and is maintained by the JFK Library and Arlington National Cemetery.
Details about the Flame
- Funding:The National Park Service, through its use of natural gas, covers the costs associated with the flame’s operation.
- Design:The flame was designed with an automated spark igniter, which relights the flame if it is extinguished by wind or rain.
- Maintenance:The flame underwent an upgrade in 2013 with new burner, gas lines, regulators, and electrical cables to improve efficiency and reliability, per theclio.com.
The flame burns in the center of a five-foot granite stone at the head of the gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery.
The eternal flame on President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite was first lit by his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, during his funeral in November 1963, and it remains a central feature of his memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The permanent flame was installed in March 1967, burning from the center of a flat granite stone and featuring a specially designed burner with an electric ignition system to ensure it relights if the flame is extinguished by wind or rain.
History of the Flame
- Temporary Beginning:A temporary flame was lit by Mrs. Kennedy during the internment service in November 1963.
- Construction of the Memorial:To handle the large crowds and create a more suitable site, a permanent memorial was built, with construction starting in 1965 and completing in July 1967.
- Installation of Permanent Flame:In March 1967, the temporary flame was transferred to the newly constructed permanent fixture, and it has been burning ever since.
How it Works
- Natural Gas:The flame is fueled by natural gas, mixed with a precise amount of air to control its color and shape.
- Auto-Ignition System:A specially designed apparatus with a constantly flashing electric spark reignites the gas if the main flame is extinguished by wind, rain, or any accident.
Significance
- Symbol of Hope and Remembrance:The eternal flame serves as a beacon of hope and remembrance for President Kennedy’s legacy, his service, and his ideals.
- Central Feature:Located at the head of the President’s grave, it is a focal point for visitors and symbolizes an enduring spirit and legacy.
