The hypocrisy here is that the government is forcing these land owners to give up their property for a monument to people who gave their lives protecting US freedoms.

Why the heavy-handed action when most are willing to work out a deal? I am all for honoring these victims of fate who did more than just sit in their seats and take it. They are heroes of the highest degree.

Monuments are a place of pride, a physical presence where family members can mourn, remember, and actually feel they are connecting with the spirits of their loved ones. But somehow a chunk of marble just doesn’t seem to be enough of a tribute. Before long fast food restaurants and stands selling trinkets will only trivialize their memory. And how many people will visit it? How long will anyone remember?

Couldn’t that $58 million be better spent elsewhere, like maybe as settlement to the victims families for our ‘caring’ governments’ lack of motivation to prevent it from happening in the first place?

If they don't want to sell, don't make them! I've seen monuments, obelisks and such that have been built and pointed to an area different from where the monument was actually sitting. Phrases like "Near here.....", "Near this Spot.....", etc. I can see the government send in the local police or worse, to seize this land if the current owners don't sell on time.

lakota, this is what I was thinking. I can't remember exactly where but I know there are monuments like you said.

This government has been on its high horse for far too long with thinking it knows what is best for us.