| The Melvin Memorial |
|
|
|
Chapters: |
|
|
|
James C.
Melvin, speaking at the dedication ceremonies of the
Melvin Memorial on June 16, 1909, explained his
motivation for commissioning the statue: “At the close of the war I was a poor lad of seventeen, with no assets except what nature had given me. At that time I made a vow that I would some time erect a fitting memorial to my three brothers. For more than forty years this has been in my mind, and it is nearly thirty years since Mr. French, one of the friends of my youth, was consulted. Five years ago he accepted my commission; the result is the beautiful and inspiring monument which you to-day have dedicated...May it forever stand, a memorial to these three brave soldiers, and, what is of vastly greater importance, an inspiration to future generations to follow the path of duty though it may lead, as it did with these brothers, to that greatest sacrifice that can be made by man.”
|
