Removal of the Confederate Memorial (ERASING HISTORY)

[Draggingtree]

Removal of the Confederate Memorial

As required by Congress and implemented by the Secretary of Defense, Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is required to remove the Confederate Memorial located in Section 16 of ANC. A process to prepare for the memorial's careful removal and relocation has been initiated. All bronze elements of the memorial will be relocated.  

Public engagement is a critical part of this process. Members of the public will be asked, during various stages of the process, to share their perspectives to determine the location of the memorial’s bronze elements and to mitigate any adverse effects that could be caused by the removal of the memorial. The granite base and foundation will remain in place to avoid disturbing surrounding graves. Future public meetings and/or public comment periods will be announced here and in the Federal Register. 

In order to remove the Confederate Memorial, ANC must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. On Feb. 9, ANC initiated the Section 106 process by submitting a notification to the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office regarding its intent to remove the memorial in compliance with the DoD mandate. The first public meeting was held on Aug. 23, 2023. Click "Meetings," at left, to access transcripts, recordings and other materials from public and consulting party meetings. 

ANC has also initiated meetings with interagency partners to develop a consultation plan, including outreach to the public and consulting parties. This stage of the process has two objectives: 1) To determine the ultimate permanent location for the memorial’s bronze elements once they are removed, and 2) To mitigate potential adverse effects resulting from removal of the memorial from ANC. ANC welcomes input from all interested parties during the public comment process. 

How to Submit a Comment

ANMC is following the Section 106 process as part of the federally mandated removal of the Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The public will have opportunities to submit comments on the different steps of the Section 106 process. From Oct. 4 through Nov. 3, 2023, ANMC is seeking comments specifically on assessment of effects and mitigation measures.

Click here to provide comments on Section 106: Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Measures. Comments can be submitted until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Nov. 3, 2023.

► To learn more about the NEPA and NHPA process, including opportunities for public comment, click here or on the graphic below. 

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Background

Congress directed the establishment of the Commission on the Naming of Items of the DoD that Commemorate the Confederate States of America or Any Person Who Served Voluntarily with the Confederate States of America (the Naming Commission) in section 370 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21 NDAA). 

The FY21 NDAA, section 370(a), requires that “[n]ot later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall implement the plan submitted by [the Naming Commission] and remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America…or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America from all assets of the Department of Defense.”

The purpose of the proposed action is to remove from ANC a monument that commemorates the Confederate States of America. The need for the proposed action is to comply with non-discretionary congressional direction. The removal of the Confederate Memorial must be conducted in a manner that ensures the safety of the people who work at and visit ANC and that protects surrounding graves and monuments. The entire process, including disposition, must occur according to applicable laws, policies, and regulations.

   •  History of the Confederate Memorial

   •  Official Army Photos

   •  Official Army Video (B-roll) 

   •  The Naming Commission Final Report to Congress, Part III: Remaining Department of Defense Assets      

https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/About/Confederate-Memorial-Removal

[Valin]

@Draggingtree

Quote

Public engagement is a critical part of this process. Members of the public will be asked, during various stages of the process, to share their perspectives to determine the location of the memorial’s bronze elements and to mitigate any adverse effects that could be caused by the removal of the memorial.

Which will promptly be ignored.