On the large plot of land near the Lincoln Memorial, local variations of the group Third Act protested President Donald Trump\u2019s plan to build an arch. nearby.<\/p>\n
As the annual Rolling to Remember motorcycle ride made its way across the Memorial Bridge and toward the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday afternoon, a group gathered nearby holding signs and drawing attention to its artwork.\n<\/p>\n
On the large plot of land near the Lincoln Memorial, local variations of the group Third Act protested President Donald Trump\u2019s plan to build an arch nearby. Third Act, according to its website, is composed of elders aiming to protect democracy and the planet.<\/p>\n
A large makeshift arch stuck in the ground said \u201c86 Trump\u2019s Arch.\u201d One of its signs said \u201cArch Sanity.\u201d In honor of Memorial Day, a different version with orange letters said, \u201cThey fought for democracy, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n
The group has planned a three-day demonstration, scheduled through Tuesday night, with the goal of highlighting its opposition to the arch. It initially asked the National Park Service for a permit to gather at Memorial Circle, where the arch is planned to be built.<\/p>\n
But they were told it wasn\u2019t allowed because the federal agency has already secured a permit there for the arch construction, according to Susan Douglas, with Third Act Virginia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe arch is gaudy. It\u2019s way too big and it interrupts a very important historical sightline between the Lincoln Memorial here and across the bridge, the Lee House, which is in Arlington Cemetery,\u201d Douglas told WTOP. \u201cThat is a sightline that should not be interrupted.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group\u2019s criticism comes days after the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the design for the triumphal arch<\/a>. Trump said D.C. is the \u201conly important and major city\u201d that doesn\u2019t have one.<\/p>\n In June, the National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the project. Inspections at the arch site started earlier this month.<\/p>\n It\u2019s unclear how much the arch project will cost, but a White House official told The Associated Press it likely will be paid for using taxpayer and private funds.<\/p>\n The 250-foot arch is planned for Memorial Circle, and it would include phrases such as \u201cLiberty and Justice for All.\u201d It would feature an observation deck open to the public.<\/p>\n The Federal Aviation Administration is studying the possible risks the arch could pose to flights taking off and landing at nearby Reagan National Airport, CNN reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n Donna Shaunesey said she joined the demonstration because her parents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.<\/p>\n \u201cI just think it\u2019s a hideous thing to have happen here,\u201d Shaunesey said. \u201cWe\u2019re just here to make sure that this craziness, people pay attention.\u201d<\/p>\n There are several rallies scheduled each day and light projections at night. A choreographed dance across the Memorial Bridge is scheduled, as is a protest during the evening commute Tuesday.<\/p>\n Douglas said with a lot of signs, \u201cWe will express our concern about all the issues that we see, not just the arch, and support for vets,\u201d Douglas said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should not be upending the beauty of Washington, D.C., for a vanity project for Trump,\u201d Douglas added.<\/p>\n