Cannon placement discussed at Council meeting
Placement of the World War One cannon that is being refurbished was discussed at the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, June 8, with Veterans' groups divided over where they would like to see the cannon displayed.
"I'm a member of both the VFW and American Legion, and both groups are at odds over the placement of the cannon," stated Veteran Jim Krause. "Some would like it placed at the site of the newly completed Veterans Memorial, and some would not.
"The original ad hoc Veterans Memorial committee had voted not to make any major changes to the memorial once it was completed. The current committee voted unanimously to not have the cannon placed at the memorial site," Krause continued. "I feel that the cannon should not be placed at the memorial site. It is very beautiful-why change it? Placing a cannon there doesn't seem like an appropriate thing to do."
American Legion Commander Vern Pitt argued that the Veterans organizations want to have the cannon placed at the memorial site. "The Legion and the VFW both voted to have the cannon put at the rear of the Memorial," he stated. "It's a good spot for visibility and I still think it should be on the same property."
Krause countered by saying that adding a cannon could be perceived as preferential treatment to one branch of the service and would also be costly to prepare a spot for the cannon.
"We honored all branches of service on the wall, and if we add a cannon, it may appear that we are showing preferential treatment," Krause explained. "The cannon represents the Army; if we have a cannon, maybe we should add an anchor for the Navy, and a jet plane for the Air Force, and so on.
"I say this-I don't think any of that should be done. I think the memorial should be left the way it is," Krause stated. "Putting it behind the wall would require removal of some of the sprinkler system and the addition of a concrete pad and walkway. It would be costly to do all that, and I think it's a bad idea."
Krause said an alternative site could be found between First State Bank and the Main Street Memorial. "That area would be ideal," he said. "It would be more visible and hold more reverence. The congregational church also has Civil War depictions in its stained glass windows, which would be an added benefit. I would like to see the cannon get as much exposure as possible."
Veteran Duane "Butch" Zabel also spoke, saying another location for the cannon could be to return it to where it was. "That piece of iron has been down in Olen Park for many years," Zabel stated. "We should put it right back home where it belongs."
Veteran Harry Hamilton also presented an option. "Perhaps we could put it near the bell at Pigeon River Walkway?"
The council voted to find another spot not located at the Veterans Memorial site for the cannon. The Facilities Committee will search for other options.
The council went on to conduct the following business:
• Presented certificate of recognition to employee Theresa Novak for her diligence in working for the Utilities;
• Presented certificates of recognition to Ashley Johnson and Morgan Battenberg for their efforts in designing new Main Street banners;
• Approved an agreement for engineering on the Main Street bridge replacement and North Main Street rebuild;
• Approved the Chamber of Commerce's request for the use of Main Street for its Fall Frenzy, set for Sept. 18;
• Approved a measure to proceed with the Hwy. 22/45 intersection reconstruction; and
• Approved a 2010-2012 fuel contract with Schroeder Shell.
More from Community News
- Wega fire department sets plans for year
- W-F board approves 2012-13 calendar
- Waupaca FFA advances
- Chinese gardens subject of Feb. 14 Lunch & Learn
- Wega Arts to host Mardi Gras Bash
- Refinancing to save Manawa $179,940
- New year means new fees at senior center (4)
- Show Choir Invitational set for Feb. 4
- Sewer rate adjustment in the works
- New London students study the Holocaust
