Help Save the Tomb of the Unknown Solider

National Trust for Historic Preservation
Monday, January 01, 1900

It's hard to believe, but officals at Arlington National Cemetery plan to replace the original Tomb of the Unknown Solider with a new replica soley because of repairable cosmetic imperfections.  This 1932 monument is nationally significant and eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The 48-ton marble block has two nonstructural cracks which poses no threat to visitors or the historic structure.  Surprisingly, federal bureaucrats want the replica carved from new stone that experts agree will likely crack along its grain just as marble does naturally when exposed to the elements.  Repair and proper care of the Tomb (re-grouting the cracks and using only gentle cleaning methods instead of high-pressure power-washing) is possible and is the preferred method for fixing the existing cracks, as other marble monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial were repaired.

Once the National Trust learned about this ill-considered plan, we raised the alarm with Members of Congress and tried unsuccessfully to consult with those who administer the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

A decision to determine the fate of the Tomb Monument is expected by September 30th.  Your help is needed to weigh in with decision-makers to help save the memorial.

Please Contact your Senators and ask them and the Senate Committee on Armed Services to explore alternatives to replacing the memorial. 

For more information about the National Trust for Historic Preservation, please visit their website:  www.NationalTrust.org