Press Release
Monument at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery Gets a Reprieve Legislation Prevents Replacement & Mandates Study of Repair Options
Washington, DC (January 29, 2008) – The Monument at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, among the nation’s most revered sites, has been given a reprieve. The National Defense Authorization Bill, signed into law yesterday by President Bush, includes an amendment sponsored by Senators Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Jim Webb (D-VA), passed unanimously by the Senate, which prevents replacement of the Monument pending a report to Congress about repair options. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has been fighting efforts by federal administrators to substitute a replica for the 48-ton marble block Monument, which has two cosmetic cracks.
The bid to preserve the Monument involves a coalition of thousands of members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and members of the public who have written to John Meltzer, Jr., superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, and their members of Congress, along with National Trust partners the Arlington Heritage Alliance and APVA Preservation Virginia. The coalition is urging preservation over replacement because the two cosmetic cracks can be repaired and do not pose a threat to visitors or to the Monument.
Language in the Defense Authorization Bill requires the Secretaries of the Army and Veterans Affairs to determine the feasibility of repairing, rather than replacing, the Monument and to report the findings to Congress within 180 days. The process of repair and proper care of the Monument would be similar to that undertaken at the Lincoln Memorial – a re-grouting of the cracks and use of only gentle cleaning methods instead of high-pressure power-washing. Stone preservation expert Mary Oehrlein explained this method of restoration to the staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee in testimony on September 13, 2007, saying, "The existing Monument can easily be repaired, as was done 17 years ago, using conventional conservation methods to re-grout the cracks. Once repaired, the fault lines would be virtually invisible from the public viewing areas."
In a recent AOL on-line poll asking “should the monument be repaired or replaced,” 87% of the more than 100,000 votes cast were in favor of repairing the memorial. “This is arguably the nation’s most important war memorial and we are working to insure that it is preserved, not replaced,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He added, “We are pleased that Senators Daniel Akaka and Jim Webb, along with our partners and citizens nationwide share our determination that the Monument be properly preserved and cared for.”
“Since World War I, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has served to commemorate and immortalize those who never returned from the battlefield,” said Senator Jim Webb. “Though cracked this monument represents the patriotic spirit of all of the brave unidentified men and women who have fought and died in America’s wars. I am pleased that, with the President’s signature today, the decision to replace this memorial has been postponed. I look forward to reviewing a full assessment of the memorial’s damage and recommendations for moving forward judiciously.”
Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said, “I am pleased that our amendment will require an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of repairing the Monument rather then replacing it with a replica. Like the Liberty Bell and the Star-Spangled Banner, the Monument at the Tomb of the Unknowns is a national treasure that has been weathered by time. It is a tangible tribute to the service of those who do not return from battle and a place for their families and others to contemplate their absence. We must ensure that we first explore all options and move with great caution before making any decisions that would irrevocably affect this solemn place of remembrance.”
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org