The Commemorative Works Act specifically states that a new commemorative work shall be located so that it does not encroach upon an existing one. It is not a judgment as to the merit of this new commemoration, simply that altering the Memorial in this way, as proposed in H.R. 2070, will necessarily dilute this elegant memorial’s central message and its ability to clearly convey that message to move, educate, and inspire its many visitors. The Department strongly believes that the World War II Memorial, as designed, accomplishes its legislated purpose to honor the members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II and to commemorate the participation of the United States in that conflict. It should not be altered in the manner suggested by H.R. 2070.He added that the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission and the American Battle Monuments Commission agreed with BLM's position.
Now, however, according to Fox News last week, "Republican lawmakers and conservative activists are expressing outrage" at BLM's opposition. Rep. Bill Johnson, sponsor of the legislation, said: "For there to be objections to demonstrating a faith in God at critical points in our nation's history -- particularly D-Day -- boggles my mind." And Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said: "This is further evidence that the administration has created an environment that is hostile towards American history -- but in particular towards Christianity."
