Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the return of the "Reconciliation Monument" to Arlington National Cemetery, sparking debate over its historical significance. The monument, created by Moses Ezekiel, was removed in 2023 following recommendations by an independent commission citing its problematic nature.
The sculpture, often referred to as the Confederate memorial, features a bronze woman on a 32-foot pedestal with figures representing Confederate soldiers and two Black figures implied to be slaves. It was initially installed in 1914 after a campaign by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Hegseth, in a social media post, criticized the removal, calling those responsible "woke lemmings" and emphasizing the importance of honoring history.
The decision aligns with President Donald Trump's efforts to restore Confederate symbols, which he argues are part of American history. President Joe Biden had previously taken steps to remove Confederate names and symbols from military sites, citing their pro-slavery message as inappropriate for the modern military.
The return of the monument is part of a broader movement to restore Confederate statues, including the statue of Albert Pike in Washington, D.C.
Critics, including Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, argue that such statues should be placed in museums rather than public spaces to avoid implying honor.
The timeline for the monument's reinstallation at Arlington remains unclear.