The Christopher Columbus statue which stood in Market Square on the Avenue of the States in Chester for 66 years was removed Sunday.
The statue had become a source of tension in the city following the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis which renewed protests over statues that many people say glorify racist or genocidal figures in American history.
Riggers for the Christopher Columbus Association carefully wrapped the statue before lifting it on a crane and taking it away Sunday.
The statue shows Christopher Columbus dressed in 15th-century clothing, kneeling after landing in the western hemisphere. He holds an orb in his left hand and carries a flag on a pole in his right hand. Below the statue are two bronze plaques on the marble base. One depicts a relief of Columbus’s three sailing ships, the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria with the sun’s rays located in the proper left corner.
It was rededicated in 1995 by the October XII Lodge No. 486 of Order Sons of Italy in America (the original donor) and the Christopher Columbus Philatelic Society according to the website Columbus Monuments, which details monuments to Christopher Columbus worldwide.
A granite marker in front of the statue depicts the Santa Maria and the words “Columbus Center Association 1938.” A black fence surrounds the monument and a plastic wreath sits in front.
The Statue is owned by several Italian-American groups that comprise the Association, which had the statue built and displayed in 1955.
In a press release issued by Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland and the Christopher Columbus Memorial Association stated the memorial displayed in the park should reflect and embrace the changing demographics of the City of Chester.
The City will look to find a suitable replacement endorsed by Chester’s residents.
The Christopher Columbus Association left the marble base to the City as a donation so that the replacement can be displayed with minimal cost to the taxpayers.
The Association thanked Kirkland and the City of Chester for its care, attention, diligence, and diplomacy.
Francis Alexander Malofiy esq. who represents the Christopher Columbus Memorial Association said the statue is in safekeeping and at the appropriate time and place it will be displayed proudly and prominently.
The Association released an additional press release noting Columbus’ history as an Italian explorer who changed history.
The Association along with the leaders of the various Italian groups held meetings to discuss the protection and future of the statue. The Association, with the approval of the City of Chester, made the decision to remove the statue and place it in safekeeping to prevent harm and for posterity.
“Many have watched with alarm as this country has forgotten where it came from, who built it, and vilified those who made it possible. The Association has grown disappointed that across the nation, statues of Christopher Columbus have senselessly been vandalized and torn down in a dogmatic push to erase history and our origins,” said the release. “We should cherish and treasure the opportunities that America has provided to all. We cannot forget that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.”
https://www.delcotimes.com/2021/08/31/christopher-columbus-statue-removed-from-chester/
2021-08-31 13:44:52Z
CBMiV2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRlbGNvdGltZXMuY29tLzIwMjEvMDgvMzEvY2hyaXN0b3BoZXItY29sdW1idXMtc3RhdHVlLXJlbW92ZWQtZnJvbS1jaGVzdGVyL9IBW2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRlbGNvdGltZXMuY29tLzIwMjEvMDgvMzEvY2hyaXN0b3BoZXItY29sdW1idXMtc3RhdHVlLXJlbW92ZWQtZnJvbS1jaGVzdGVyL2FtcC8
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Christopher Columbus statue removed in Chester - The Delaware County Daily Times"
Post a Comment