Three Vietnam War veterans sued the federal government seeking to block the construction of a new 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday.
The lawsuit — filed by progressive watchdog group Public Citizen on behalf of the veterans — asks a judge to prohibit construction on the project, arguing President Donald Trump has not sought the necessary approval from Congress or independent government agencies.
The memorial, which the White House has dubbed the “Independence Arch,” is one of several controversial new construction projects being pursued by the Trump as part of his administration’s plans for the commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.
The veterans — Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes and Jon Gundersen — worked as U.S. diplomats after serving in the Vietnam War.
