Talk about possibly moving the soldier statue in Centennial Park prompted the Oxford Village Council last week to make it clear they want the war memorial to stay put.
‘I know a lot of people worked very hard to get it there,? said Councilwoman Teri Stiles.
Purchased by local veterans groups based at American Legion Post 108 and erected in summer 2005, the statue is meant to honor the 44 brave Oxford men who perished in battles from the Civil War to Vietnam. Their names are etched on a plaque affixed to the statue’s base.
Councilman Tony Albensi expressed concern about possible plans to move the statue after reading minutes from the Oxford Beautification Commission’s Dec. 4 meeting regarding recommendations for Centennial Park. The minutes indicated a desire to ‘remove? the statue from the park and ‘relocate? it to either the Orion War Memorial, American Legion Post 108 on E. Drahner Rd. or the village offices.
‘These are plans they’re working on,? explained village Manager Joe Young.
Young said ‘some of them did not feel that the soldier’s expression was beautiful.?
The statue’s face bears the fierce expression of an American GI charging into battle with his rifle at the ready.
‘To me, that is beautiful,? Albensi said. ‘I appreciate it.?
Young reminded council that the Beautification Commission is only an advisory board and any plans regarding the statue’s location are ‘totally the council’s decision.?
Village President Chris Bishop said the only thing he would like to see change with regard to the statue is for the stand it sits on to be made ‘a little more ornate than just a white box.?