President Donald Trump’s plan for a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery now includes a 161‑foot observation deck that would give tourists a 360‑degree view of the historic grounds. The addition, revealed by the Trump administration this month, has sparked strong opposition from military families who fear the deck could turn solemn funerals into a public spectacle.

Families voice concerns

Laurie Laplante, whose father‑in‑law, a Navy veteran, was buried at Arlington last year, said she would feel “sick to her stomach” if visitors could watch or record the ceremony from the deck. “It’s just the wrong place to put a vantage point because this is very much seeing people on the worst day of their life,” she told CNN.

Veteran Frank Stolba, who oversaw more than 50 Navy funerals, called the proposal “a little ridiculous.” A Gold Star family member, who asked to remain anonymous, added that the deck was not part of the original plan and detracts from the dignity owed to surviving families.

Administration’s response

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said the observation deck will “enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike.” The administration has also suggested short‑term measures to limit disruptions during construction, such as controlling lighting, coordinating work schedules around funeral services, and restricting noisy activities during ceremonies.

However, the White House did not address whether new protocols would be established to protect the privacy of military funerals once the deck is operational.

Potential impact

Critics argue that an observation deck sends the message that funerals are a spectacle. Gold Star daughter Ashley Bernardi asked what guidelines would ensure the sanctity of the ceremonies. Vietnam War veteran Ronn Easton, who has previously criticized the Trump administration, questioned why a “250‑foot vanity project” would be placed atop a site meant for solemn remembrance.

The latest renderings show the observation level on the fifth floor, with lower levels housing security, ticketing, restrooms, and space for a possible gift shop and café. In late August, the administration began referring to the deck as a “military observation deck,” signaling a shift in rhetoric to justify the structure.

Congressional and local leaders have not yet weighed in, but the outcry from military families underscores a broader debate about preserving the dignity of national memorials while expanding tourism infrastructure.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.