It’s been known for some time now that the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery was in need of serious repair, if not complete replacement — I noted the fact back in August of 2006 — but apparently the fate of one of the nation’s most solemn memorials has yet to be determined:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 — The fate of the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery is uncertain this Veterans Day weekend, as the Army has yet to decide whether to replace or repair the 75-year-old monument, which is marred by several large cracks.
Under consideration for years, the idea of replacing the monument has pitted conservationists, who think the original structure should be restored, against those who say that replacing the tomb is inevitable and will properly memorialize America’s fallen soldiers.
The Senate unanimously approved an amendment to a bill in September that, if signed into law, would officially halt any action by the Army for six months.
Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Democrat of Hawaii and chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, sponsored the amendment with Senator Jim Webb, Democrat of Virginia. The amendment requires the Army and the Department of Veterans Affairs, after the six-month period, to submit a report that includes cost estimates and repair options.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has led a campaign against replacing the tomb, and has contacted members of Congress and asked people to write the superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, John C. Metzler Jr.
“This is probably the most important war memorial in America,” said Richard Moe, the trust’s president. “It has served since 1932 for Americans to come and grieve for their lost loved ones, and there is absolutely no reason for it to be replaced.
“Even though there are cracks in the marble,” Mr. Moe continued, “they are purely cosmetic and can easily be repaired.”
The tomb, formerly known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is guarded 24 hours a day, and there are over 2,000 wreath-laying ceremonies there each year. Every president has paid a visit since the memorial was created.
Under an Army proposal, the three main pieces that make up the 82-ton sarcophagus-like structure would be replaced. Mr. Metzler said the cemetery hoped to donate the old pieces to an institution that would protect them.
One of the cracks cuts through the figures on the monument that represent Valor, Victory and Peace. The crack underlines carvings of inverted wreaths on two sides of the structure, and the words “an American” in the only inscription: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
Given the importance of this memorial, one would think that the Army and Congress would be able to come up with a solution.
