Veterans Sue to Halt Proposed Arch Near Arlington Cemetery

Shaun Byrnes, 83, a veteran and Vietnam War service member, recently arrived for an interview close to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, as Public Citizen represents him and fellow veterans in a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The goal is to block the construction of a proposed Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle.

Byrnes, along with other veterans, strongly opposes the arch, which would stand 250 feet tall near the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery, the resting place for over 400,000 service members and their families. The administration claims the arch is intended to ‘celebrate American triumphs and enhance national pride.’ However, critics argue it is a ‘vanity project’ that could worsen traffic, disrupt views, and disrespect the cemetery’s solemn grounds.

The administration is pushing for the arch without congressional approval, a move contested by an alliance of veterans and an architectural historian. Shaun Byrnes emphasizes that historically, significant monuments in Washington are built posthumously to honor great leaders. He argues that the arch does not fit this tradition and is thinking of his lost friends, many of whom never returned for burial.

Byrnes, who was severely injured in action, spent decades in the U.S. Foreign Service. Despite identifying as politically moderate and loyal, he believes this challenge against the government is necessary. Veterans Jon Gundersen, Michael Lemmon, and historian Calder Loth join him in the lawsuit, filed with the help of Public Citizen.

The case involves two laws requiring congressional authorization for new federal monuments. Lead attorney Nicolas Sansone argues that without this approval, the administration misuses previous authorizations. Opposition concerns the possibility of unauthorized changes to monuments in national areas.

The administration claims a 1925 authorization for columns on Arlington Memorial Bridge suffices, though they were never built. In response to legal pressure, the administration must give 14 days’ notice before advancing construction. Federal agencies, despite public objections, have preliminarily approved the design. Feedback from various bodies remains pending.

The National Park Service is open to comments until June 15, while materials presented outline a project impacting the area significantly. Critics worry about unilateral decisions reshaping the nation’s capital. Opposition, including voices like Evan Cash, questions the absence of congressional and public consensus.

Public responses before a recent commission meeting showed broad disapproval, touching on the proposal’s vague purpose. Many fear the project primarily serves the administration’s interests rather than honoring veterans.

Veterans like Jimi Shaughnessy and others emphasize the need for genuine support of military families, advocating for restoring funding cut from relevant agencies rather than building a controversial monument. Major veterans’ organizations have not taken a public stance, while government agencies defer questions to the Department of the Interior.

Despite contrasting views, the Department maintains the arch will serve as a tribute to American sacrifices, aiming to enrich visitor experiences at the cemetery, honoring freedoms protected over the nation’s history.