Letter
Dear Ms. Durham-Aguilera:
In its meeting of 15 October, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a final design submission for the restoration and reinstallation of the Moses Ezekiel sculpture, an artwork historically known as the Confederate Memorial, within Section 16 of Arlington National Cemetery. In their overall support for the project, the Commission members provided comments and requested additional information, deferring action on the submission.
The Commission members strongly endorsed the proposal to reinstall the bronze sculpture, designed by confederate veteran and sculptor Moses Ezekiel, in its original location and configuration within the cemetery, characterizing the reinstallation as an act of reconciliation. However, they raised significant concerns regarding the decision to rename the memorial in honor of its sculptor, instead recommending that the original name—the Confederate Memorial—be used in all references to the reinstalled artwork. In their consideration of the proposed interpretive plaques, they requested the submission of all signage and narrative text previously displayed at the memorial, as well as the number, placement, and content of any new interpretive signs that will be installed at the site.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this important project. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Karen Durham-Aguilera, Executive Director
Office of Army Cemeteries
U.S. Department of the Army
1 Memorial Avenue
Arlington, VA 22211
cc: Roger Kirchen, Virginia Department of Historic Resources