SENATOR WEBB & AKAKA APPLAUD DECISION TO RESTORE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS
- Army commitment to repairing the national treasure was preceded by Senators’ intervention

FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR WEBB

June 26, 2009

Contact: Jessica Smith (Webb), 202-228-5185
Kawika Riley (Veterans’ Affairs), 202-224-9126


WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, applauded the decision by Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair damage to the monument at the cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns rather than build a replica to replace the original. Akaka and Webb championed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 that required a study of options to address the structural deterioration the monument has experienced in recent years.    

“I am pleased the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has decided to repair rather than replace the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery,” said Senator Webb. “This decision ensures that the historical integrity of this unique memorial will be preserved for future generations of Americans who visit the tomb to honor our men and women in uniform who gave their lives for our nation.”

  “The commitment to restoring the authentic monument is consistent with the best of American traditions: we do not discard our national treasures,” said Chairman Akaka. “I applaud the Army and the Arlington National Cemetery for making the right decision, and thank my friend Jim Webb for his work on this issue.”

  The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery is a monument to honor those who do not return from battle. It is a tangible tribute to their service, as well as a place for their families and others to contemplate their absence. The monument at the tomb is currently showing signs of wear and tear, including visible cracks. In September 2008, in response to the Akaka-Webb amendment, the Department of the Army’s report outlined several possible means of repairing and preserving, rather than replacing, the monument at the tomb.

  For more information on restoration plans, please see the statement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation: http://press.nationaltrust.org/content/view/421/69/.  

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