Erasure of Medgar Evers from Arlington National Cemetery: A Historical Oversight

Medgar Evers, a WWII veteran and civil rights leader, was removed from the Arlington National Cemetery website as part of an executive order by President Trump. The Army confirmed that this decision collectively affected several sections honoring veterans from diverse backgrounds, although individuals can still be found under broader categories. Critics emphasize the historical importance of such figures and advocate for acknowledging their contributions to society.

Medgar Evers, a World War II veteran and civil rights leader, was reportedly removed from the Arlington National Cemetery website which previously honored Black Americans who served in the military. This action was taken following a directive from President Trump aimed at eliminating specific Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion programs. Evers, who was assassinated in 1963, is recognized as a significant figure in U.S. history.

The U.S. Army admitted that the removal of Evers’ acknowledgment was part of a broader change to comply with the administration’s orders. While categories recognizing veterans based on ethnicity or gender have been eliminated, the Army notes that such figures can still be found under general classifications such as “Prominent Military Figures.”

Furthermore, other veterans, including Army Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers, have also been erased from this commemorative platform. U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson highlighted ongoing injustices against minority service members and criticized the administration for recent drastic cuts to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which he argues negatively impact veteran care and services.

Historically, Arlington National Cemetery paid tribute to Evers in 2013 on the anniversary of his assassination, and there are ongoing efforts to award Evers a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Trump himself acknowledged Evers’ contributions during a visit, praising his dual role as a soldier and a civil rights activist. He emphasized that Evers represents the essence of American heroism and the fight for equal rights.

Civil War historian Kevin M. Levin noted that Evers’ military service is intrinsically linked to his civil rights work. He argued that the attempts to overlook Evers’ complete legacy are disingenuous and detrimental to understanding the full scope of his contributions to society.

This article was updated as of March 18, 2024, to include the Army’s official statement regarding the website changes concerning veteran honorifics.

The removal of Medgar Evers from the Arlington National Cemetery website raises important questions about the recognition of minority contributions within American military history. Despite political changes leading to this erasure, the legacy of Evers as a hero both in war and in the civil rights movement remains significant. Critical voices in Congress and academia continue to advocate for the inclusive recognition of all veteran heroes, stressing the importance of honoring diversity in military history.

Original Source: mississippitoday.org