Vietnam Veterans of America Clarifies Position on Proposed Triumphal Arch

VVA supports honoring America's veterans but has not endorsed the monument's design and opposes efforts to speak for all veterans.

SILVER SPRING, MD, UNITED STATES, October 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) today clarified its position regarding the proposed Triumphal Arch near Arlington National Cemetery and its participation in a recent federal court filing concerning the project.

While national VVA has previously stated that it has not taken a position on the proposed arch, the organization supports honoring the service and sacrifices of America's veterans through memorials and monuments. VVA has not endorsed the arch's specific design, appearance, or features, nor is it campaigning for the project.

VVA participated in an amicus brief opposing a legal challenge to the project, intending to support the principles of honoring veterans and challenging efforts to use the courts to advance political agendas while suggesting that the opinions of a few veterans represent the broader veteran community.

“There's a difference between supporting the effort to honor America's veterans and endorsing every aspect of a particular monument,” said Tom Burke, VVA National President. “Our participation was intended to reflect that distinction, although some of the language in the brief went further than we intended.”

VVA acknowledges that the brief expressly supported construction of the arch. However, the organization's participation was not intended as an endorsement of its specific design or as a campaign to build the monument.

VVA also strongly opposes individuals or groups using their military service or membership in a veterans organization to suggest they speak for all veterans.

“Being a veteran gives you the right to an opinion. It doesn't give you the right to speak for every veteran,” Burke said. “And being a member of VVA doesn't authorize you to speak for our organization. We respect every veteran's right to be heard, whether they support the arch or oppose it.”

VVA's state councils and chapters may adopt their own positions through their established procedures, but those positions should not be mistaken for the position of national VVA.

“Our members have differing opinions about this monument, and that's perfectly fine,” Burke concluded. “What unites us isn't the design of an arch. It's our commitment to ensuring veterans and their families receive the healthcare, benefits, and support they have earned. That's where VVA's priorities remain.”

About Vietnam Veterans of America
Vietnam Veterans of America is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization with 500+ chapters across the country and US territories, all dedicated to serving veterans and their families. Its founding principle remains: Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.

James McCormick
Vietnam Veterans of America
+1 301-585-4000 ext. 111
JMcMormick@VVA.org