Federal Courts and Historic Preservation

Vietnam veterans Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes and Jon Gundersen — joined by a retired architectural historian and represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group — sued to block the Trump administration’s proposed 250‑foot "Independence Arch" at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery, saying the monument would dishonor their service and could pose a hazard to air traffic at nearby Reagan National Airport. The complaint argues Congress never authorized the memorial and alleges violations of the Commemorative Works Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, while White House spokesman Davis Ingle called the project a tribute that will "enhance the visitor experience" and serve as a "visual reminder" of American sacrifices for the 250th anniversary.