Concerns Raised by Vietnam Veterans Over Proposed Monument
Two retired military men, Shaun Byrnes and Jon Gundersen, who have served under numerous leaders and also in the State Department, are now challenging the head of the state in a legal battle.
These gentlemen, along with another Vietnam war veteran and a historian, have legally objected to the construction of a 250-foot arch proposed to be erected in a vacant traffic circle located between a renowned national cemetery and a famous memorial dedicated to President Lincoln.
Controversy Over Monument Proposal
Their main contention is that the project is being expedited without the necessary approval from Congress. They believe that the proposed arch would disrupt the symbolic harmony between the Lincoln Memorial and another revered monument, a representation of unity post the Civil War.
The proposed arch, as per the latest designs, would stand more than double the height of the Lincoln Memorial. The veterans insist that their legal challenge to this arch, planned to be a grand entrance to the national cemetery, is not motivated by political bias.
"Our action stems from loyalty to our nation. And loyalty can have different interpretations," stated Gundersen, who is a retired Army Special Forces officer.
Respect for Fallen Soldiers
Byrnes conveyed that he joined the lawsuit as a mark of respect for his fellow soldiers who are buried in the national cemetery. "It's more about the obligation I feel towards my comrades and friends who did not return home to stand against this project, regardless of who's at the helm," said Byrnes, a Navy veteran who served two tours in Vietnam.
"I believe it's simply disrespectful to those with whom I served who didn't return, and of course, to all those who are resting in the national cemetery."
Byrnes had aspired to be laid to rest in the national cemetery, but if the arch is constructed, he said he would "rethink" his final resting place.
Legal Challenges and Future Plans
The legal department has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the group does not have the appropriate standing to sue. There hasn't been any formal vote by the current Congress, but officials have suggested that the project was already approved, referring to a plan adopted over a century ago for the construction of "two majestic columns," 166 feet tall, representing the North and South.
Last month, a federal judge denied a request to temporarily stop the construction, which has not started yet.
Both Gundersen, 81, and Byrnes, 83, perceive the arch not as a tribute to America's 250th birthday but as a monument to one individual.
Last year, the individual in question displayed a model of the proposed project, which bears a resemblance to the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, assuring a group of reporters that the structure is "going to be fantastic."
When questioned about who the arch was for, the individual replied, "Me."
Public Opinion Versus Official Approval
Despite overwhelming public opposition, the U.S. Commission for Fine Arts approved the arch last week. In a recent meeting, the group's secretary stated that "100% of the comments were against the project." An urban planning commission could approve the project in the upcoming month.
Gundersen and Byrnes, who both have been stationed in Moscow during their careers and helped establish U.S. embassies in post-Soviet Eastern Bloc countries, expressed that the so-called "Arc de Trump" reminds them of countries in which they have served and fought.
"We understand how authoritarian dictatorships operate," Gundersen said. "There's no rule of law, there's no consent of the governed, and there are monuments for the leaders there."
Gundersen also expressed skepticism over the suggestion that the arch would be financed by private donations, not taxpayer dollars, questioning, "Even if you took private donations, is that how we want to build monuments? To the oligarchs who give money for favors?"
"We have fought for our country. We believe in this country, and we're going to continue to the end, and I think we can change things," he asserted.
Two retired military men, Shaun Byrnes and Jon Gundersen, who have served under numerous leaders and also in the State Department, are now challenging the head of the state in a legal battle.
These gentlemen, along with another Vietnam war veteran and a historian, have legally objected to the construction of a 250-foot arch proposed to be erected in a vacant traffic circle located between a renowned national cemetery and a famous memorial dedicated to President Lincoln.
Controversy Over Monument Proposal
Their main contention is that the project is being expedited without the necessary approval from Congress. They believe that the proposed arch would disrupt the symbolic harmony between the Lincoln Memorial and another revered monument, a representation of unity post the Civil War.
The proposed arch, as per the latest designs, would stand more than double the height of the Lincoln Memorial. The veterans insist that their legal challenge to this arch, planned to be a grand entrance to the national cemetery, is not motivated by political bias.
"Our action stems from loyalty to our nation. And loyalty can have different interpretations," stated Gundersen, who is a retired Army Special Forces officer.
Respect for Fallen Soldiers
Byrnes conveyed that he joined the lawsuit as a mark of respect for his fellow soldiers who are buried in the national cemetery. "It's more about the obligation I feel towards my comrades and friends who did not return home to stand against this project, regardless of who's at the helm," said Byrnes, a Navy veteran who served two tours in Vietnam.
"I believe it's simply disrespectful to those with whom I served who didn't return, and of course, to all those who are resting in the national cemetery."
Byrnes had aspired to be laid to rest in the national cemetery, but if the arch is constructed, he said he would "rethink" his final resting place.
Legal Challenges and Future Plans
The legal department has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the group does not have the appropriate standing to sue. There hasn't been any formal vote by the current Congress, but officials have suggested that the project was already approved, referring to a plan adopted over a century ago for the construction of "two majestic columns," 166 feet tall, representing the North and South.
Last month, a federal judge denied a request to temporarily stop the construction, which has not started yet.
Both Gundersen, 81, and Byrnes, 83, perceive the arch not as a tribute to America's 250th birthday but as a monument to one individual.
Last year, the individual in question displayed a model of the proposed project, which bears a resemblance to the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, assuring a group of reporters that the structure is "going to be fantastic."
When questioned about who the arch was for, the individual replied, "Me."
Public Opinion Versus Official Approval
Despite overwhelming public opposition, the U.S. Commission for Fine Arts approved the arch last week. In a recent meeting, the group's secretary stated that "100% of the comments were against the project." An urban planning commission could approve the project in the upcoming month.
Gundersen and Byrnes, who both have been stationed in Moscow during their careers and helped establish U.S. embassies in post-Soviet Eastern Bloc countries, expressed that the so-called "Arc de Trump" reminds them of countries in which they have served and fought.
"We understand how authoritarian dictatorships operate," Gundersen said. "There's no rule of law, there's no consent of the governed, and there are monuments for the leaders there."
Gundersen also expressed skepticism over the suggestion that the arch would be financed by private donations, not taxpayer dollars, questioning, "Even if you took private donations, is that how we want to build monuments? To the oligarchs who give money for favors?"
"We have fought for our country. We believe in this country, and we're going to continue to the end, and I think we can change things," he asserted.
