Vietnam Veterans of America Leader Says Organization Misled About Arlington Arch Brief

Tom Burke, national president of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), told members that the legal brief his group signed in support of President Donald Trump’s proposed Arlington National Cemetery arch was based on “inaccurate information.” “Let me be clear: National VVA has not adopted a position supporting or opposing construction of the proposed arch or its design,” — Washington Post. Tom Burke

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The administration’s plan calls for a 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery, with construction slated to begin on November 5. A coalition of veterans organizations filed a brief arguing that three Vietnam-war veterans suing to block the project do not represent the broader veterans community. The brief asserted that most member feedback favored the arch and labeled opponents as an “isolated minority.” According to three people familiar with the effort, the White House encouraged veterans groups to sign the brief.

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“This puts the organization squarely in the middle of a complex, sensitive situation,” — Washington Post. Tom Burke He did not identify who supplied the inaccurate information. In contrast, Jay Kalner, president of VVA’s Northern Virginia chapter, told The Washington Post that he and many chapter members oppose the arch and that chapter and state leaders were not consulted before the brief was signed.

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• “Let me be clear: National VVA has not adopted a position supporting or opposing construction of the proposed arch or its design,” — Tom Burke, national president, Vietnam Veterans of America “Let me be clear: National VVA has not adopted a position supporting or opposing construction of the proposed arch or its design,” — Washington Post. Tom Burke

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• “This puts the organization squarely in the middle of a complex, sensitive situation,” — Tom Burke, national president, Vietnam Veterans of America “This puts the organization squarely in the middle of a complex, sensitive situation,” — Washington Post. Tom Burke

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U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan is scheduled to hear arguments on the brief on Friday. The administration hopes to begin construction on November 5, pending the court’s decision.

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