Monument Dedicated to American Unity Faces Removal
A monument dedicated to American unity following the Civil War is at risk of being removed from Arlington National Cemetery. The Pentagon’s Naming Commission, responsible for renaming and removing statues associated with the Confederacy, has slated the Reconciliation Monument for removal. However, House Republicans, led by Navy combat veteran Clyde, argue that the memorial does not honor the Confederacy but instead commemorates reconciliation and national unity. They further contend that removing the monument would desecrate the graves of Confederate troops buried there.
Republicans Challenge the Naming Commission’s Authority
In a letter penned by Clyde and signed by 43 other House Republicans, including Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala, the lawmakers argue that the Naming Commission overstepped its boundaries by recommending the monument’s removal. They highlight that the Naming Commission’s authority explicitly prohibits the desecration of grave sites, and removing the monument would violate Congress’ enacted statute and legislative intent. The Republicans call for the process to be paused until Congress can agree to a funding deal, citing an amendment offered by Clyde that would halt the statue’s removal if passed.
Controversy Surrounding the Reconciliation Monument
The Reconciliation Monument, unveiled in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson, was commissioned by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Congress had authorized the reinternment of Confederate remains in Arlington National Cemetery just 14 years prior to the monument’s unveiling. Currently, the monument is slated to be relocated to a site owned by the Virginia Military Institute.
Legal Battle Ensues
The Pentagon is facing a lawsuit from a group called Defend Arlington, representing descendants of Confederate veterans and others, over the removal of the Reconciliation Monument. The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Pentagon for comment on the matter.
