DOD Watch Statement on Secretary Hegseth’s Reinstatement of the Reconciliation Monument

WASHINGTON – DOD Watch, an organization dedicated to calling out radical policies within the Department of Defense, issued the following statement after Secretary Pete Hegseth reinstated the Reconciliation Monument in Arlington National Cemetery:

“DOD Watch applauds Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his courageous decision to restore the Reconciliation Monument to its rightful place at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a restoration of truth, heritage, and unity.  

“In an era where our history is under relentless attack from radical ideologues, Secretary Hegseth has drawn a clear line: America does not erase its past. We learn from it and honor it. His powerful statement — ‘It never should have been taken down by woke lemmings. Unlike the Left, we don’t believe in erasing American history—we honor it’ — perfectly captures the sentiment of millions of Americans who are tired of seeing our military traditions and national story disrespected in the name of political correctness.

“The Reconciliation Monument stands as a testament to national healing, not division. Its return signals a much-needed course correction, one that rejects divisive wokeism and reaffirms our commitment to unity, tradition, and the values that make our armed forces strong. 

“This moment is a powerful rebuke of the politicized efforts to rewrite our military’s proud legacy and a victory for every service member who believes our military should remain focused on excellence, strength, and national security, not cultural reengineering. This is a turning point. And DOD Watch will continue to stand beside those who are willing to fight for the integrity of our armed forces and the unvarnished truth of American history.”

About DOD Watch: The DOD Watch is dedicated to examining and informing the public about wokeness in the Department of Defense. By increasing public awareness of radical, woke policies and practices infiltrating the Pentagon, DOD Watch aims to return the Department of Defense to its mission of ensuring our nation’s security through traditional values of strength and excellence. Our Armed Forces should remain focused on safeguarding national security through the traditional values of strength, excellence, and unity.

​By increasing public awareness of radical, woke policies and practices infiltrating the U.S. Armed Forces, DOD Watch aims to return the U.S. military to its mission of ensuring our nation’s security through traditional values of strength and excellence.

Read more about DOD Watch here.