Gold Star mother and veterans rally against Trump's proposed Arlington arch
A Gold Star mother and the Group Vote Vets are urging opposition to Donald Trump's plan for a 250-foot arch at Arlington National Cemetery’s entrance.
Karen Meredith, a Gold Star mother whose son First Lt. Ken Ballard is buried at Arlington, is speaking out against Donald Trump’s proposal for a 250-foot arch at the cemetery’s Memorial Circle. The arch, intended to include a tourist observation deck, would obscure the view of the historic grounds and allow visitors to watch funeral ceremonies, a practice mourners say violates the cemetery’s privacy. The Group Vote Vets organization has launched a campaign to rally veterans and families in opposition.
Retired Major General Paul Eaton described the plan as “entirely inappropriate” and likened it to sacrilege, while Charles A. Birnbaum warned it would dramatically alter the landscape envisioned by Abraham Lincoln. Critics also note the construction would run 20 hours daily for three years, affecting daily burials. The commission responsible for the site will vote on the proposal on Oct. 1.
Why it matters
The arch could permanently change the sanctity and public access of a national military burial ground.
How this story developed
- Aug 28 National Park Service endorses Trump’s monumental arch despite visual impact concerns
- Sep 3 Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced plans to begin excavation for the arch.
- Sep 4 The National Park Service issued a report backing the arch despite acknowledging visual‑impact concerns.
- Sep 4 Three Vietnam War veterans filed a lawsuit alleging the monument lacks congressional approval.
- Sep 6 A federal judge imposed a 48‑hour notice requirement for any work at the arch site, with an exception for basic archaeological surveying.
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