Stop the construction of the Trump “triumphal” Arch before it is too late. President Donald Trump is clearly ignoring the fact that only Congress has the authority to approve the estimated $400 million expenditure. For the president, building a grandiose arch is a competition with other countries to build “the greatest” in the world. Asked by a reporter who the Arch is for, Trump replied “for me.” Apparently, Trump was so impressed with the Arc de Triomphe when he visited Paris that he wanted one like it, or greater, in our capital. The construction of the Arc de Triomphe was begun by Emperor Napoleon in 1819 to celebrate his military conquests. In contrast, the United States, a democratic republic, has honored the individual courage and sacrifices of our soldiers. This is the enduring meaning of Memorial Day. In February, Public Citizen filed a lawsuit challenging the construction of the Arch in Memorial Circle. Their attorneys argue that it will obstruct the historically significant sight line between Arlington Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. “That sight line was carefully designed to symbolize the unification of the country after the Civil War and the strength of a united nation,” the group wrote. The symbolism of the Trump arch is both antithetical to our democratic values and disrespectful of our soldiers’ sacrifices over 250 years.
Priscilla Waggoner, Lewisburg