Veterans challenge Trump plan for arch near national cemetery

Veterans and historic preservation groups have renewed efforts to stop President Donald Trump's administration from building a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch and observation deck near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

VoteVets, Home of the Brave and the Cultural Landscape Foundation launched a joint campaign Tuesday, arguing that the proposed structure would obstruct the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, Military Times writes. 

The groups said the project would be inappropriate near the cemetery, where about 400,000 service members are buried. Karen Meredith, whose son, 1st Lt. Ken Ballard, was killed in Iraq and buried at Arlington, said an observation deck could allow tourists to overlook funeral ceremonies.

The planned Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck would be built at Memorial Circle on Columbia Island, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

National Park Service documents indicate construction could take two to three years, with work continuing for up to 20 hours a day. Opponents argue that such activity could interfere with weekday burials at the cemetery.

The project is already facing a federal court challenge from veterans and a historic preservationist. They argue that the administration lacks legal authority to construct the arch without congressional approval. The administration has maintained that a 1925 law concerning Arlington Memorial Bridge provides the necessary authority.

The National Capital Planning Commission, which granted the project preliminary approval in July, is expected to review the plans and consider final approval on October 1.

The groups are seeking to build public opposition as construction approaches, arguing that the structure would permanently alter the landscape and character of one of the United States' most significant military memorial sites.

By Sabia Mammadli