Don’t Build the Arch
The proposal to build a colossal arch in Washington, D.C. has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that it would disrupt the solemn atmosphere between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The project, backed by President Trump, faces opposition from veterans and community members who believe it would undermine the historical significance of the area.
- ▪The proposed arch would be 250 feet high, more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial.
- ▪It features inscriptions such as 'One Nation Under God' and 'Liberty and Justice for All.'
- ▪Opponents, including Vietnam War veterans, have filed a lawsuit against the project.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
CultureDon’t Build the ArchTrump’s colossal monument would mar Washington’s skyline and disrupt one of its most sacred spaces.By Sebastian SmeeIllustration by Lucy Naland. Source: NCPC / Harrison Design.June 3, 2026, 7 AM ET ShareSave The meanings of words such as honor, sacrifice, and humility have been leaking away from American civic life like red blood cells from an anemic. But if there’s one place where they retain their rich, sticky, life-giving force, it’s surely in the air around the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.The cemetery is where Americans remember those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The memorial is where they remember their greatest president—the man who proclaimed an end to slavery and kept the union intact, though the cost was staggering.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
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