In a sometimes tense, sometimes emotional debate, Oak Bluffs selectmen heard arguments for and against a request to remove plaques from a Civil War monument.
In a sometimes tense, sometimes emotional debate at their regular Tuesday meeting, Oak Bluffs selectmen heard arguments for and against a request to remove plaques from a Civil War monument which, in part, honor confederate soldiers.
Selectmen took no action on the request, but agreed to revisit the issue at their next scheduled meeting on April 23.
The request to remove two of the four plaques from the base of a statue representing a union soldier came from the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard. The organization’s executive committee and its full membership voted unanimously to petition the town, which owns the monument, to remove the references to confederate soldiers. The monument was funded and erected in 1891 by Charles Strahan, a confederate soldier who moved to Martha’s Vineyard and sought reconciliation with his former enemies.
“We honor all veterans,” said Gretchen Tucker Underwood, a member of the NAACP executive committee. “What we do not honor is the confederate army of the United States, which sought to destroy the union army and the union. The words scar me when I hear them, because the source of the words has not gone away for me.”
Jo Ann Murphy, the Dukes County veterans agent, said state law provides official recognition of confederate soldiers as veterans.
Jo Ann Murphy, the Dukes County veterans agent, said state law provides official recognition of confederate soldiers as veterans.
Clennon King, a seasonal visitor to the Island who lives in Roxbury, said the town has been irresponsible with tax money.
“It’s not about mutual admiration and mutual reconciliation among warring white men,” Mr. King said. “At the heart of it is slavery.”
He said the town risks losing tourists dollars by offending African-American visitors.
“If that money disappears, a whole lot of you will be out of business, a whole lot of you will be unemployed,” Mr. King said. “You don’t want to go there.”
Representing the social action committee of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, Dick Cohen said it’s difficult to separate the issues of honoring veterans with soldiers who fought the confederacy.
“Honoring confederate soldiers is so inextricably linked to the cause that they fought for, that it’s hard to divorce the two,” Mr. Cohen said. “These were, after all, the instruments that politicians and the wealthy folks in the south used to fight a war, and the war was to defend slavery.”
Erik Blake, Oak Bluffs chief of police and president of the Martha's Vineyard NAACP.
Erik Blake, Oak Bluffs chief of police and president of the Martha's Vineyard NAACP.
A contingent of veterans, many of them from American Legion Post 257 in Vineyard Haven, opposed removing the plaques. Jo Ann Murphy, the Dukes County veterans agent long active in Island veterans affairs, said state law provides official recognition of confederate soldiers as veterans.
“I’m not saying it’s right, I’m not saying I agree with anything that has to do with the confederacy, but I feel that we are speaking of fellow veterans,” Ms. Murphy said. “Whether you like their opinion or what they believed in, they are still veterans.”
Bob Falkenburg of Oak Bluffs said he saw combat duty in Korea, and called war a wasteful, rotten thing. But he does not advocate changing the monument.
“None of the writings or words that were said about this monument by the people who put it up had any racial connotation that I ever heard of,” Mr. Falkenburg said. “It was veterans to veterans. That monument was put up between people who decided it was over and decided to be peaceful and be together. That’s the only reason.”
Selectmen were not eager to decide the issue at Tuesday’s meeting. All five agreed by consensus they needed more time to study the issue. Only one selectman, Greg Coogan indicated an opinion following more than an hour of debate.
“If I were to weigh the hurt here, I have to say the hurt goes for those representing the NAACP,” Mr. Coogan said. “There is still an honoring of the civil war soldiers by keeping that statue there. I would feel that one plaque doesn’t belong there any more. I come away with that sense of hurt more than anything else.”
Others questioned whether the board of selectmen was the proper arbiter of the dispute. Alternatives were suggested, including a series of public forums, a town meeting warrant article, or a ballot vote in the next town election.
“I don’t think of this as a decision of the board of selectmen,” said selectman Michael Santoro. “We need to bring it to more people.”
Selectmen agreed by consensus to decide what method of resolving the dispute they want to pursue at their next meeting, but did not indicate that they would vote on whether to remove the plaques.
Comments
Obviously Mr.King doesn't
Don Edgar Oak BluffsObviously Mr.King doesn't think he can get his way without threats.Poor communicating skills Mr.King. Oak Bluffs has been a great place to live for a very long time.
Historical correctness seeks
Bob Shaw Oak BluffsHistorical correctness seeks to alter and judge history through a politically correct lens denying the chronology of cause and effect. The Civil War was the war of the brothers, the "Chasm is closed" celebrates our union restored.
Then do black folks a solid
Cate Bernard TisburyThen do black folks a solid and house it in a historically relevant place, like the MV Museum, instead of right by the ferry in OB, a town well known as an African American friendly vacation spot.
As one in attendance and a
John MVIAs one in attendance and a native of Martha's Vineyard Clennon King is the most arrogant, rude, racist, disrespectful, trouble maker that I have seen in a very long time probable ever on our island.
King has the most disgraceful way especially as a summer visitor to outright DEMAND what the island natives, the citizens of Oak Bluffs and the entire year round island residents do with our Civil War Statue in Oak Bluffs.
Most others who spoke tried to get their delicate points of view across in the most honest and respectful way.
Some “Amen`s” and “Yes`s” shouted from the audience one could tell that King had some of his supporters all pumped up.
I dont know what Chief Blake was thinking. He wanted this important decision to be made that night by the selectmen but in the end agreed it should be discussed in another forum then most likely go before the voters of Oak Bluffs which is what I think should be done. Go before the voters and hopefully the voters will say “Keep it as is”.
Depressing that some believe
Carol Lampson formerly ChilmarkDepressing that some believe that all uniforms are equally worthy of respect. We remember and honor US soldiers. The Confederates, though they lived in the US, were not - they took up arms against our soldiers - not for some noble cause, but to continue terrorizing other humans through violence and murder so that they could work for them for free. How was a decision to remove both plaques not a slam dunk at the meeting?
Since we seem to be
Down Islander TisburySince we seem to be refighting the Civil War in Oak Bluffs, let's recall that the primary financial center of the Cotton King South was Philadelphia. Plenty of racists there, and elsewhere throughout the North. The principle beneficiaries of growing cotton were Manchester textile magnates. That's England, not New Hampshire, so let's boycott Shetland sweaters! And why stop with the Civil War? Let's refight the American Revolution.
Slaveholding was legal in virtually all states at that time. Newport was a great slave trading center. Shall we talk about the role of different ethnic groups in the slave trade? Shall we change the name of every street in New England? I find it simply extraordinary that a monument to peace and reconciliation is now viewed as a personal insult.
Carol Lampson's comment is
Christine S. Oak BluffsCarol Lampson's comment is the most clarifying. I encourage everyone to read it carefully.
And as someone with an M.A. in US History, allow me to add a present day comparison, as it may help put the issue in perspective.
The Confederates were like the white supremacists who initiated the march in Charlottesville, VA in August 2017, carrying torches and chanting "Blood and Soil," a racist, nationalist slogan from Nazi Germany, and "Jews will not replace us." The Confederates were the white supremacists of their day.
A town meeting article or
Liz Durkee Oak BluffsA town meeting article or vote excludes the African-American summer community from participating. And citing the potential loss of tourist dollars sounds like a threat, when it is a moral issue, not a monetary one.
Great point Liz!
Matt Gagner Carolina, RiGreat point Liz!
Why not keep this simple and
Peter Pfluger Vineyard HavenWhy not keep this simple and turn this division into a positive thing?
The island children and all children and their children, who read the words on this monument for generations to come, could be reading words that honor the Union soldiers who risked their lives in the Civil War, an honorable undertaking that successfully ended the legal right to enslave human beings in this country.
Let the students at the high school come up with the wording for a new plaque to replace the existing ones. In the future their children and grandchildren will be the ones asking what that statue stands for on their visits to the Flying Horses. What do you tell them, "Well......it's complicated."?
I believe that the honorable fraternal organization of The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) would support this change. Their honorable intention for the memorial in the first place was to close the chasm and bring folks together.
Another alternative would be to get rid of the damn thing and put in a beautiful fountain.
Do the right thing. Stop the fussing and the fighting, and give peace a chance.
Let's be positive and move forward!
I like this suggestion. Ask
Carol formerly ChilmarkI like this suggestion. Ask the high school students to word new plaques, & replace the existing two plaques with those. Great suggestion.
Peter, with the exception of
Gee Gee Barden Porter Ranch, CA, and Oak Bluffs summer visitorPeter, with the exception of your alternative proposal to get rid of the statue, I agree with all that you have said and your suggestion to have the students at the high school come up with new wording for the plaques. Hopefully, this would be a well thought out project that might take some time. It would be wonderful if, as you say, the original intention for the memorial to bring folks together could be achieved with this project. In the meantime it would be helpful for us all who wish to understand this disagreement to see what the wording on the current plaques is. I hope that a future issue of the Gazette Notebook will report this.
I don’t live in Oak Bluffs
Neighbor MVI don’t live in Oak Bluffs but right next door. I will start by saying that while I see this as more complicated than some, if it were in my town I would support removing the placks. I don’t think those are wrong, but I do side with the NAACP here. That leads me to my next point. I strongly believe Mr. King is out of line and behaving in an offensive manner, stirring up conflict, perhaps for self promotion. His threat of unemployment for those who don’t immediately take his side is delivered with menace and condescension. I understand he is supporting a cause that deserves great support, but his threat deserves condemnation. Remember, many of those adults he seeks to cripple financially are also parents. And kids don’t get to choose their parents...they would be truly innocent victims. Destroyed businesses on this island would mean homelessness, hunger and illness for many children. Of course, many children and families here live in terrible conditions, in no small part because of a service economy focused on meeting the needs of seasonal visitors of great financial means. They don’t see the people living in the basements. Maybe that would be a fine new documentary subject for Mr. King once Oak Bluffs does the right thing.
I think most people are
Katama Bill KatamaI think most people are missing the intent of the plaque was to reunite the country post civil war.
From a historical perspective
Will Overhead EdgartownFrom a historical perspective this monument is the only on in Massachusetts that’s pupose was to say I’m sorry for the war and all the sorrow it brought. But, Mr. King in his self serving bent can’t accept that. Sad. As an aside, Steamship reservation are looking very strong for the summer.
When our family first moved
Homeowner, Ocean Park Oak BluffesWhen our family first moved to Oak Bluffs a quarter century ago I was powerfully struck by the statue and its call for acceptance of former rivals in a new era. "The Chasm is closed" does not honor the confederate cause it celebrates that the fissure is gone. I associated it with the special, diverse nature of Oak Bluffs. And it's a unique cultural item that would be a shame to tamper with. It's a cool story and erasing it would make Oak Bluffs less unique.
Reading the words of the
Francis Hillman Medford, ORReading the words of the plaques. The restored Union includes those who served the Confederacy. These plaques were added to show the inclusiveness and forgiveness of those who faught this war. Removing history only shows the desire of some to decide in a politically correct world. That the veterans who placed these even though forgiving and inclusive. That there are people in this world, through ignorance are not.
the monument in Oak Bluffs
Jason Canha Vineyard Haventhe monument in Oak Bluffs was constructed at the end of the civil war to honor both side. It was indeed erected by a former confederate soldier along with union soldiers. It depicts a proud UNION cavalry man painted in confederate grey to symbolize the healing and coming together of both sides as one. it is note about the politics or the awful enslavement of humans. most people of the south did not have slaves and many hated it, but they knew the union army would take there crops and burn there farms to keep them from there enemy. So they fought. not to protect slavery, to protect themselves, there families and there property, as the constation told. they bled and died for what they believed in as much as the union did for there just cause of freedom for all. to remove there plaques from this monument is to say they deserve no honor, and that is a disgrace to ALL soldiers of this country. i believe in my heart if they union soldier of this island were alive today they would be ashamed and embarrassed by this discussion.
Separate the message from the
Dan Doyle TisburySeparate the message from the messenger. And no one is suggesting to send the plaques to a foundry. Take the plaques to a place where relics of another era are just that. On the ground, Oak Bluffs is the most inclusive town on this island. That's mostly secondary to making the right choice, but ironic nonetheless. The commemorative statue is part of OB's gateway. Not a gatekeeper. Why not make everyone feel welcome? It's not a stretch to understand how it might send the wrong message...
so, what about the UNION
jasonso, what about the UNION plaques?? will those go also? and the other war plaques around this island?? who decides ? you can't take a soldiers honor because you decide you don't aprove of the fight.
Please bear with me: The
Lorraine EdgartowonPlease bear with me: The great Deerfield Raid of 1704: My ancestor and her Mother were kidnapped by the raiding Indians and French in February, taken to New France. My ancestor died/was killed on the trail leaving her eight year old daughter, my ancestor. She was kept as slave/servant by the tribe until she was traded to a man three times her age, she bore fourteen children, one or whom made it to adulthood. During W W II the Navajo tribe members were used for their language which was known only to them; they donned the uniform of the U S Marines and did their duty and came back, swore an oath they could not tell their tribe of the contribution. The last Code Talker died at the age of 98 a few years ago. Am I to denigrate the uniform of the Cod Talkers? How about the Wampanoag? Am I to go up and deface their property? This has to stop somewhere....this makes me heartsick.
Although the confederacy as
Richard Barbieri OBAlthough the confederacy as an entity clearly was fighting to defend slavery, it is beyond our ability to judge the motivation of each and every soldier of the time. I personally disagree with the motivation of numerous American wars, particularly Vietnam, but I visit the Wall with reverence. As T.S. Eliot wrote,”These men, and those who opposed them
And those whom they opposed
Accept the constitution of silence
And are folded in a single party.” I have always felt the Oak Bluffs monument is a marvelous example of understanding and reconciliation. If Irish Protestants and Catholics and South African people of color and white people can reconcile after only a few decades, why should the Vineyard play a part in perpetuating the same hostilities that confederate flag wavers embrace?
If we follow history, it will
Island Life OAK BluffsIf we follow history, it will show no matter what you do, some people will always be offended. Take down the statue or remove the plaques and they'll move on to something else that offends them. As a black man living on this Island seasonally, it does not offend me.
There are more important issues at the moment, like cost of housing.
This is just a side distraction for others who live their lives offended.
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