What to Do Wednesday
Your Weekly Guide to Staying Politically Active—From Abroad
Wednesday 10 June 2026
The National Park Service is accepting public comments through June 15. Tell them to reject the proposed 250-foot arch at Arlington Memorial Circle.
Take Action Now
The National Park Service is accepting public comments through June 15 on a proposal to construct a 250-foot Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle, the historic gateway between Washington, D.C. and Arlington National Cemetery.
The proposed arch would permanently alter one of America’s most significant historic landscapes, disrupting the carefully designed relationship among the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Memorial Bridge, Memorial Circle, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Submit your comment here:
Even a short comment can make a difference.
Sample Comment
I oppose the proposed Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle and urge the National Park Service to reject the project.
The National Park Service’s own Assessment of Effects acknowledges adverse impacts to nationally significant historic resources, including the Memorial Avenue Corridor Cultural Landscape, Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Lincoln Memorial setting, and associated historic viewsheds.
The Section 106 process requires meaningful consideration of alternatives that avoid or minimize harm. Before advancing mitigation measures, the National Park Service should fully evaluate a no-build alternative and alternative locations.
The historic significance of this landscape derives from the intentional relationship among the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Memorial Bridge, Memorial Circle, and Arlington National Cemetery. A permanent 250-foot structure would irreversibly alter that relationship, and no mitigation measure can restore a blocked historic view.
Because the project would result in irreversible impacts to nationally significant historic resources, I urge the National Park Service to reject the current proposal.
Why This Matters
The National Park Service’s own review acknowledges adverse effects to historic resources.
Among the concerns:
- Permanent obstruction of nationally significant historic sightlines.
- Failure to fully evaluate alternatives, including a no-build option.
- Questions about whether a project of this scale requires a more comprehensive environmental review.
- Concerns regarding the legal authority for the project in its current form.
Once this landscape is altered, it cannot be restored.
Public opposition now is the best opportunity to prevent irreversible damage.
Positive Momentum
Democracy is more than voting. Public comment periods give citizens a direct opportunity to influence federal decisions before they become permanent.
When people participate, agencies are required to listen.
“The future depends on what you do today.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
In solidarity,
Leyani Redditi
Chair
Democrats Abroad Italy
Democrats Abroad Italy Events
Participate in a Democrats Abroad Italy monthly Country Committee meeting. Join us to find out about what is happening in each region and how you can get involved. Meetings are held monthly and last one hour. Friday 12 June @09:00
Live near Venice? Join the Triveneto Precinct team as we staff a Vote From Abroad (VFA) station at the Santa Lucia Train Station in Venice 12 Jun Vote From Abroad outreach, Venice
Join us for a delicious taste of Maine, great connections, and voter registration at our Apericena in Milan - June 16
Check out what's happening in Arezzo! Join Us June 18 in Arezzo for Votes & Vino Aperitivo - seating is limited, be sure to RSVP today!
Let's celebrate America together! Fourth of July BBQ & Lake Party - Celebrate America's 250th!
Events Organized by DA Italy Members
In Spoleto - No Kings No War! 14 June Piazza Campello, Spoleto 18:00 - 19:30 Info and questions, contact Rebecca Spitzmiller: +39 339 7747210 or Marena Lobosco: +39 366 502 5617
P.S. 17% of our members have already requested their ballots. Are you one of them? If not, help us get to 25% by the end of June!! Click the link below to go to Vote from Abroad or let us know you've already requested your ballot, or need some help. We’re here to make sure your vote counts!