by Beverly Harrison, Democratic nominee for the District 15 seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
As a teenager, I grew up hanging out at the Lincoln Memorial. On weekend nights we’d pay our respects to Lincoln then sit and watch the lights on the Potomac and discuss the heavy issues facing our generation.
The Mall was a safe space. A sacred space. Our space.
By denying Americans access to Lincoln and the Vietnam Memorial, Trump is stealing something far more precious than a particular 4th of July celebration.
He is denying every American their birthright. These monuments are for the people. All people. We go to remember our past, honor our veterans, and reflect on who we are and how we got here.
For many Americans, this day in DC will be their only chance to stand in the presence of Lincoln. To stand where Martin Luther King shared his dream. To trace the name of a family member on the Vietnam Memorial.
All of us lose when even one of us is denied our ability to honor our nation and our veterans.
The author is running for the District 15 seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
BEVERLY HARRISON — DELEGATE FOR VA 15 TWITTER FACEBOOK DONATE
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
