By Evaristo Lara
As the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary approaches, The project promoted by President Donald Trump to build the so-called Independence Arch appears to be moving forward.
Since last year, the New York magnate stated that the nation required a monument with certain characteristics to be identified by American citizens as a symbol of national pride.
Under this approach, Trump mentioned an architectural work similar to the Arc de Triomphe built in France. However, he warned that it would be of larger proportions.
Additionally, he specified that it would be built on the Arlington, Virginia side, near the Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River, between the entrances to the National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
During a dinner offered in October to a group of important businessmen at the White House, a first model with the design of the work was presented, since the objective was to obtain donations for its construction.
However, for the Fine Arts Commission to grant its approval it was necessary to present the designs and most of the specifications related to the majestic Independence Arch this Friday.
The proposal by Harrison Make, a Washington architecture firm, focuses on a 240-foot-high arch built into a rotunda between the cemetery entrance and the Lincoln Memorial.
The work will have several golden details and will be crowned by a statue of Lady Liberty winged holding a shield and a torch. In addition, a pair of eagles will perch beneath the sculpture’s wings.
Respecting President Trump’s wish, the monument would be more than 24 meters higher than the Arc de Triomphe.
In addition, two phrases will be included: “One nation under God”, which will be considered only on the side of the arch facing the Lincoln Memorial; while in the part that overlooks the cemetery you can see the legend “Freedom and justice for all”.
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“As Americans worry about skyrocketing costs and another endless war, President Trump is focused on a taxpayer-funded vanity project that would back up traffic, block our skyline, and loom over hallowed ground where those who served our nation, including my own parents and sister, are buried,” he wrote.
So far it is not clear how much money the construction of the arch will involve, but it is in line with the spending plan of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The cost will be covered with resources generated by taxpayers.
In fact, it is mentioned that it would already have $2 million dollars in funds allocated for special initiatives and another $13 million dollars in counterpart funds.
Keep reading:
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