Today at 10:30 AM, the Three Service Statue South, Inc. will kick off their dedication and unveiling of the long awaited monument at Veterans Memorial Plaza on Market Street. As Mayor I will attend, however, I will not be speaking at the ceremony this morning, if I were, I would have spoken about the following:I would have told those gathered of how they stood in the shadows of history and how blessed they were to be eyewitnesses to this historic event. I would have explained to them, that when the writers of history write about the City of Apalachicola, they would classify this day as a new beginning or describe it as the most defining moment in the annals of Apalachicola.
I would have made certain to mention, that this is the only replica of its kind, outside Washington, D.C., and how privilege we are to have this sculpture rest in the cradle of this small coastal community.
I would have expressed upon the crowd how the mere presence of this stirring memorial will serve as an everlasting reminder of how the seafaring men from this area hung their nets up to join the struggle to keep this country the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I guess, I would have said all of that or perhaps I would have just said, Good Morning, welcome . . . and thanks for coming.
Mr. Mayor,
ReplyDeleteWhy is it exactly that the mayor of the city receiving such a distinction and honor was not included in the dedication ceremony agenda? Was there a particular reason? I can't imagine that in any other city in the USA that a celebration of such importance would not have included at the very least a welcome from that city's mayor. Just curious as to the reason given for such a rarity.