Historic Sculpture by Moses Jacob Ezekiel to be Installed at Arlington Cemetery

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently signed a contract to bring a sculpture by Moses Jacob Ezekiel to Arlington Cemetery. This installation is part of a 50-year loan arrangement with the Commonwealth and is expected to aid in healing recent tensions.

This news comes about 18 months after the statue was abruptly removed and sent to a warehouse by then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Youngkin stated, “At the request of Moses Ezekiel’s family and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses, we are returning the sculpture to Arlington National Cemetery.”

The statue, originally erected over a century ago, was taken down due to the intense moral debates of the early 2020s, but many believe it holds a significant narrative that Americans should engage with, especially in a time of conflict.

Ezekiel, who lived from 1844 to 1917, was a prominent sculptor of his era and the first Jewish-American artist to gain international recognition. His notable works include the “Religious Freedom” monument in Philadelphia and a statue of Thomas Jefferson in Louisville. He was also a Confederate veteran who fought in the Battle of Newmarket, where he faced personal loss.

The sculpture in question features the Roman goddess Virtus and reflects themes of art and mourning. Its base commemorates six classmates who died during the Civil War’s tumultuous battles.

After the war, Ezekiel moved to Europe and developed many friendships, including with President Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. His Arlington artwork was commissioned by President William McKinley and dedicated by President Woodrow Wilson.

The installation of this statue has been a collaborative effort between the Virginia governor and various military history centers. The restoration is projected to take around two years, aiming for a 2027 unveiling that will feature an interpretive panel discussing the multifaceted legacy of the Civil War.

Interestingly, the journey toward national healing didn’t start at the end of the Civil War but was reignited during the Spanish-American War when veterans from both sides fought together in a unified military.

Though mutual affection grew, many in the South remained skeptical about the war and its outcomes. President McKinley recognized the need for unity, leading to the restoration of Confederate graves, signaling a move toward reconciliation.

However, the divisive sentiments lingered long after the Civil War. In recent years, more aggressive actions against monuments and historical references have raised questions, complicating discussions of reconciliation in today’s society.

According to Youngkin, the completed renovation and installation will help deepen our understanding of complex American history. He remarked, “After all, Ezekiel’s work was inspired by the prophetic hope for a peaceful future.”

Hegses remarked on the significance of the sculpture’s reinstatement, indicating, “We should not let the cancel culture dictate our history. Unlike some, we honor our full past.”