File:Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC to Kittridge Wing Supt. GNMP Dec. 30, 1963 (44b5997c-870b-44c6-a334-ac5779352eae).jpg

White paper with handwritten black text

Nov. but I asked the committee to secure design and send to me as chairman. The design of Julian Harris of Atlanta met all requirements of the Parks Service so I sent it with report to Convention meeting as well as 3 others that were sent me. I learned that the design of Mr. DeLue of New York was brought in at last minute and there was only 4 members of committee present who were able to vote and some high pressure was used and they decided on the DeLue design. I am unutterably opposed to this design, it was brought back to me, and everyone who sees it says it is an Olympic design or a trophy design for some high school athletic event. I take no responsibility on its being presented to you and the Parks Service. After reading over your rules again I doubt if the Park Service will okey [sic] using the words “in loving memory of Walter W. Williams”. I am presenting the Harris design. We wish to commemorate the passing of the Confederate Army and Navy and to me Mr. Harris’s design does just that. The benches are for rest, the figure in authentic uniform stands at rest and the planters box of greenery is for remembrance. It is a design that in future years when members of our great organization visit Gettysburg they will feel proud of it. It has dignity and is appropriate. The DeLue design represents action, violent action, brawn and muscle and to me is purely an athletic trophy. I will have no part in it – no uniform. The figure on Harris design was drawn by Wilbur Kurtz – portrait painter – and acknowledged authority on authenticity of Southern scenes and costumes. He was called to Hollywood for the entire filming of “Gone With the Wind” as technical director on all costumes, scenery, etc. of the South. Mr. Harris is a sculptor of National reputation

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