1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Subject: Urgent: Restore Historical Recognition at Arlington National Cemetery I am writing to express my outrage over the recent removal of prominent Black, Hispanic, and female military figures from Arlington National Cemetery’s website, as reported by NPR. This disgraceful action is not only a blatant act of erasure but also a racist and revisionist attempt to diminish the sacrifices of diverse veterans who have honorably served our country. The removal of these historical figures—such as General Colin Powell and the all-Black, all-female WWII postal unit—is part of a broader attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the military. As reported, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has even gone so far as to end celebrations of Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month, sending a clear message that the contributions of these communities are not valued. This contradicts the very principles of unity and respect that our military upholds. The U.S. military has long struggled with recruitment, particularly among minority communities, and this move will only alienate potential service members further. Historically, Black and Hispanic Americans have fought and died for a country that has not always recognized their sacrifices—erasing them now is a deep insult to their service and legacy. I urge you to take immediate action to restore the visibility of these distinguished veterans and to push back against this harmful policy. Our history is not something to be rewritten or hidden—it must be preserved and honored.