Folks, I’m sipping my coffee and reading about President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch, and I have to say, it’s quite the story. The arch, which was initially proposed without an open-air observation deck, now includes a 161-foot tall deck that would give tourists a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. I’m not sure what to make of this, but I’m sure it’ll be a great spot for taking selfies. The observation deck was added to the design later, and it’s got some people concerned, especially military families who have loved ones buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
The idea of an observation deck overlooking Arlington National Cemetery is causing some distress among military families and veterans. They’re worried that tourists will be able to watch funerals and other private ceremonies from the deck, which could be incredibly upsetting for those involved. I can understand their concerns, and it’s not hard to see why they’d want to keep these events private. Laurie Laplante, who buried her father-in-law at Arlington Cemetery last year, said she’d be “sick to her stomach” if tourists were watching her family’s funeral from the observation deck.
The Trump administration has suggested some short-term steps to alleviate disruptions to ceremonies during the arch’s construction, including controlling temporary construction lighting and restricting work hours with high noise during services. However, these measures might not be enough to address the concerns of military families and veterans. Frank Stolba, a veteran who oversaw more than 50 funerals when he was in the Navy, said, “It’s getting a little ridiculous, honestly.” I think he’s got a point, folks. This whole thing is starting to sound like a bit of a mess.
Gold Star families and veterans are speaking out against the observation deck, saying it’s intrusive and could turn funerals into a spectacle. Andrea Nachman, whose husband is buried at Arlington, said, “It’s not what we in the military families would want – it’s very private, we’re not a sideshow.” I think that’s a fair point, and it’s not like these families are asking for much. They just want to be able to mourn their loved ones in peace.
The White House says the arch will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery, but they haven’t really addressed the concerns about privacy. Davis Ingle, a spokesperson for the White House, said the arch “will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike.” However, that’s not really the issue here. The issue is whether this observation deck is going to be respectful of the people who are burying their loved ones at the cemetery.
The latest renderings of the arch’s plans show the observation level on the 5th floor, with areas for security, a ticketing lobby, restrooms, and spaces for a potential gift shop and cafe. Because, you know, what every national cemetery needs is a gift shop and cafe. It’s all starting to feel a bit like a tourist trap, folks. Ronn Easton, a Vietnam War veteran, asked, “Why the hell would somebody put an observation deck on top of this arch?” I think that’s a fair question, and I’m not sure anyone has a good answer.
In conclusion, the proposed triumphal arch and its observation deck are causing a stir among military families and veterans. While the Trump administration says the arch will enhance the visitor experience, others are concerned about the potential disruption to funerals and other private ceremonies. As I finish my coffee, I’m left wondering what the point of all this is. Is it really worth potentially upsetting the families of fallen soldiers? Probably not, folks. Probably not. And that’s why I think this whole thing is just a big mess, and we should all just take a step back and think about what’s really important here.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
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