1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

The recent removal of links and educational resources highlighting the notable contributions and gravesites of Black, Hispanic, and female veterans from the Arlington National Cemetery website is a deeply troubling development. Erasing or suppressing these important historical perspectives disrespects the invaluable sacrifices made by these service members in defense of our nation. As the final resting place for over 400,000 American heroes, Arlington should serve as a monument to the diversity and inclusivity that defines the strength of our military. By scrubbing away information on the legacies of minorities and women who served with honor, we risk diminishing their profound impact and overlooking the systemic barriers they overcame. This censorship undermines efforts to foster a more equitable society that celebrates the rich tapestry of identities woven into the fabric of our armed forces. Reinstating these missing resources should be an urgent priority to preserve an accurate and comprehensive account of our national heritage. Arlington's grounds bear witness to the immeasurable contributions of servicemembers from all backgrounds. Denying public access to their stories does a disservice to their memories and impoverishes our shared understanding of the diverse ranks who have valiantly defended our freedoms throughout history. I urge immediate action to restore these materials to the cemetery's website and educational initiatives. Honoring our nation's hallowed grounds means embracing the multitude of voices and experiences interwoven within their soil. Anything less threatens to relegate entire swaths of our martial legacy to the shadows of obscurity.