Confederate Memorial Removal: Virtual Public Scoping Meeting, Aug. 23

8/16/2023

ARLINGTON, Va. – Arlington National Cemetery will host a virtual public scoping meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at 7 p.m. EST to solicit comments from the public on the congressionally mandated removal and relocation of the statue and bronze elements associated with the Confederate Memorial, as required by the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

“Public engagement is a critical part of the NHPA and NEPA process, and the input ANC receives will help inform alternatives that will avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse effects of the monument’s removal,” said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries and the Office of Army Cemeteries.

All members of the public and media are welcome to attend the meeting, which will be held via Zoom. Those who wish to speak at the meeting are required to register in advance via the ANC website: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/About/Confederate-Memorial-Removal.

ANC’s notice of intent to comply with the NHPA and NEPA processes was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 4, 2023. The NOI initiated a 30-day public consultation period, during which the Army will solicit comments on the proposed action.

This public consultation period is the next phase in a process to remove and relocate the statue and bronze elements of the Confederate Memorial, as required by Congress. The statue and all bronze elements will be relocated, while the granite base and foundation will remain in place to avoid disturbing surrounding graves. The remains of those buried near the Confederate Memorial will not be relocated during the deconstruction process.

ANC is also seeking public input on how to mitigate any adverse effects that could be caused by relocating the statue and bronze elements. This input will be used to analyze potential alternative mitigation measures, as appropriate.

For more information, including public documents, and to submit comments and/or register for the Aug. 23 virtual public scoping meeting, please go to: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/About/Confederate-Memorial-Removal.

PLEASE NOTE: Requests to provide verbal comments at the Aug. 23 scoping meeting will be accepted until midnight on Aug. 22. After that time, members of the public may still register to attend this virtual meeting and provide written comments via the meeting chat.