File:Harry Pfanz GNMP comments on Proposed Memorial by DeLue June 3, 1964 (e82e6c63-ab8f-417b-9b31-cd747d3c5e77).jpg

White paper with typed black text

Comments on Proposed Memorial by DeLue The proposed memorial by Mr. DeLue is undoubtedly a fine piece of art, but I have strong reservations regarding its appropriateness in this Park. The Park memorializes men and events of the 19th Century and contains over 1,400 monuments, markers, and tablets memorializing and recording these events. Among these are several equestrian and other statues sculptured by outstanding American artists. They include John Q. A. Ward, Henry K. Bush-Brown, Edward C. Potter, J. Massey Rhind, Frank Edwin Elwell, and J. Otto Schweizer. Sculptors of Confederate statuary in particular include Joseph Urner, William Sievers, and Gutzon Borglum. The recently erected memorial to the Grand Army of the Republic was done by Avard Fairbanks. All of these memorials are realistic and, with the possible exception of Borglum’s North Carolina Memorial, all are restrained in their interpretation. They, with other memorials here, have given the Park a character reminiscent of the era they commemorate. The proposed memorial would seem to violate this character. It is both dynamic and impressionistic, but would be unique and possibly create a jarring note. The statue itself is inappropriate. In contrast to those now in the Park which portray Union and Confederate personnel in a realistic way with careful attention to proportion and detail, the figure presented by Mr. DeLue resembles a physical culture devotee clad in baggy leotards. It does not resemble the Confederate soldier as portrayed in period photographs. The contrast between it and statuary here is accented by the figure’s stance and the peculiar position of the left arm and flag. Two features of the base of the memorial might lead to criticism. All states indicated had units in the Confederate Army but Maryland did not secede and the status of Kentucky and Missouri as Confederate states can be disputed. The authenticity of Walter Williams has also been challenged. Before his name is placed on a memorial here his status as a Confederate soldier should be reconciled beyond the shadow of a doubt. His dates of service, rank, and regiment should be a matter of record. It would be sad if men of questionable status should be memorialized here where so many genuine Confederates of the South fought and died.

• Keywords: gettysburg; battlfield; education; virtual experience; photography; monuments; memorials