Kurt Zwilling is a military veteran who wants to be buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery when he dies. Specifically, he wants to be buried next to his son, Gunnar, who was killed in action on July 13.

Gunnar, 20, a corporal, was single.

The military has told his father Kurt that they cannot reserve a spot for him at Jefferson Barracks. Those spaces can be reserved only for spouses. “We assign gravesites at the time of need. We don’t make reservations for the future,” administration spokesman Michael Nacincik said from Washington today.

People change their minds later, the government says. They may think they want to be buried in one spot now, and change their plans later.

Says Kurt Zwilling: “I’ve given up a lot for this country. I want to be next to my son. I feel that’s the least they could do.”

Should the military bend its policy? Or stand firm?