JFK flame to undergo repairs

"The Kennedy site is one of the most visited sites on Arlington National Cemetery. We get nearly four million visitors a year and most of them go here to see the eternal flame and up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," said Kent Carson, deputy engineer for Arlington National Cemetery

Which is why, when cemetery officials started hearing, Nat Pop (Clicking), they knew they had a problem that needed to be addressed.

The constant clicking noise is originating from an old ignitor designed to keep the eternal flame burning at all times.

"It was originally installed in 1967 -- it's the original parts for the most part that have been in there and they're getting old. They're breaking down just like any mechanical equipment does," Carson said.

The $350,000 upgrade project won't just replace the ignitor, but includes other parts as well.
"This project will replace the gas lines the air lines and fabricate new burners and key burner systems," Carson said

During the project, visitors may only see ongoing work on the hillside adjacent to the site, but for a short period of time, tourists will have a much different and historic view of the Kennedy gravesite.

"For about three weeks then they are doing the burner replacement and doing the work up near the flame itself there will be a fence around there. The foot stones of President Kennedy and his family will still be visible there will be a white fence around the worksite to block what is going on there," Carson said.

Another item the visitors will see is a temporary eternal flame burning off to the side.
"That's only the second time that there's been a temporary flame up there, and the first time was when President Kennedy was laid to rest," Carson said.

The majority of the work is expected to take place during April and May of this year.
From Arlington National Cemetery, Patrick Bloodgood.