WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) applauded the announcement that the Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have committed to repairing the authentic tomb monument at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown.  Akaka and Webb championed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which required a study of options for the monument at the Tomb of the Unknowns, which shows signs of age.

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

“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 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 of 2008, the report required by the Akaka/Webb amendment outlined several possible means of repairing and preserving, rather than replacing, the now-weathered monument at the tomb.

For more information on the restoration plans, click here for a release issued by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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June 26, 2009