REIMAGINE

Controversy over certain statues and monuments has existed since they were erected over a century ago.  As this debate intensifies, the very existence of many of these memorials is at great risk.  Before we completely ERASE history, should we not consider “Reimagining” a message which honors bravery while also promotes unity and equality.  Text which strives to preserve the “healing” message for which the monument was originally erected, but also addresses and promotes “healing” regarding issues today and in the future.

Current technology allows us to precisely remove text from one or more sides of an existing monument.  Architectural embellishments such as flowers, corbels and other artwork would be preserved or re-carved.  This process opens the door for an updated message. 

Example text could include:

“This monument originally erected in 1898 memorializes those who selflessly answered the call of their country and gave the full measure of their devotion in its defense.  Their service was often compulsory however their bravery in protecting their communities, homes and families earned them right to be honored. 

History and common sense has illustrated Slavery to be the great blemish staining the United States of America, a country founded on the principle that “all men are created equal”, and any effort to preserve or prolong that unjust institution to be flawed.  In their time, tradition and “normalcy” clouded the vision and judgment of those who accepted this great wrong. 

May this monument stand to remind us to find bravery in our own hearts as did these fallen, let us use that bravery to look past traditions of unfairness or acceptance of intolerance.  May we look forward with an eye unclouded to truly see that all men and women are created equal.”

Names and technical information remains untouched.

To our knowledge, nothing like this have been tried before. 

This unique and somewhat drastic alternative is only proposed in cases where the alternative is the destruction of the monument.

Is it not better to revise history, so long as it is honest, rather than erase it.