Download Placement of Strong Vincent`s Bicentennial Statue at Raymond M

RESOLU'l'ION :truHBER 34, 1997
Placement of Strong Vincent's Bicentennial Statue
at Raymond M. Blasco Memorial Library
WHEREAS, Strong Vincent. having been born in Waterford. Pennsylvania, having
been graduated from Harvard College Class of 1859. and having practiced
law in Erie. Pennsylvania, was mustered into the United States Army on
September 14. 1861 as Lieutenant Colonel of the 83d PA Volunteers; and
WHEREAS. upon the death of Colonel McLane at Gaines' Mills on June 27. 1862.
Vincent was promoted to colonel. and eventually. as senior colonel. was
given command of the 3d Brigade whereupon as a result of his gallantry,
bravery. and milit.ary heroism. by his attack and defense of Little
Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg, he was mortally wounded on
July 2. 1863; and
WHEREAS, Civil War historians have credited, Strong Vincent's courageous
leadership as a major contribution for 'the Union Army's victory at the
watershed battle of the war. thus effectuating the preservation of the
union of states; and
WHEREAS. no other son or daughter of Erie County has surpassed the luminary
battlefield achievements of Vincent. thus indelibly forging his
prominence in history as Erie County's preeminent war hero; and
WHEREAS. the Strong Vincent Commemoratives Committee. serving as a subcommittee
of the Erie Bicentennial Commission. dutifully and rightfully
recognizing the significance and distinction of his role in our
country's history. embarked upon a project to establish a permanent
memorial to Vincent:; and
WHEREAS. the Committee. comprised of twenty-five or more dedicated citizens of
our community. initiated a fund drive for the purpose of erecting a
statute in tribute to Vincent; and
WHEREAS, through the committee's diligence and tireless efforts. an amount
exceeding $75.000 was garnered from countless citizens of Erie County
who are cognizant that a statue commemorating Vincent's achievements
will serve as a link to our historical past for generations to come;
and
RESOLUTION NUMBER 34, 1997
Placement of Strong Vincent's Bicentennial Statue
at Raymond M. Blasco Memorial Library
WHEREAS, from the genesis of the project and prior to the groundbreaking,
construction. and completion of the Raymond M. Blasco Memorial Library.
it was determined that such a statue of Strong Vincent be erected at
the bayfront site in order that this vTar hero's legacy be preserved
through its prominent display on the south side or main entrance to the
library; and
WHEREAS, consideration for Vincent's sacrifice and for his contribution and
importance to our nation's history warrants a placement of the statue
at a site easily accessed by the maximum number of persons, justifiably
assuring this investiture for posterity; and
WHEREAS, the Joint Operating Committee of the library/museum complex. whose
scope and authority is well defined and limited to the daily operations
of the facility. informally has rejected the Commemoratives Committee's
request to have the Strong Vincent Bicentennial Statue placed in front
of the main entrance of the library, and alternatively has suggested it
be placed on the north side of the complex near the berth for the U.S.
Brig Niagara; and
WHEREAS. the Joint Operating Committee's proposed site for the statue will not
afford the maximum exposure of the statue. thus denying immeasurable
persons the benefit of its inspirational message; and
WHEREAS. the County Council of the County of Erie, as the policy-determining
body of Erie County. is empowered. under its purview. to determine the
final disposition of all matters as they relate to County owned or
leased property exclusive of operational matters.
NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Council of the County of Erie,
pursuant to Article II. Sections lA, 1C(8). and 3B(1) of the Home Rule Charter
for the County of Erie, that authorization is hereby granted to the
Strong Vincent Commemoratives Committee to erect its commissioned statue of
Strong Vincent at a site located *at the eastern end of eR the south side of the
Raymond M. Blasco Memorial Library. *w:H:.h:!:R-c-loee--t>r~1Il'i-t-y-ei-1:;fte-fl.l:a'i-n-~"f'af'l:ee7
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RESOLtrl'ION NUMBER 34. 1997
Placement of Strong Vincent's Bicentennial Statue
at Raymond M. Blasco Memorial Library
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that because of the project's uniqueness, such permission
granted to the Commemoratives Committee shall not be construed as a precedent and
that consideration of requests from other entities for similar relief may be
denied.
On the motion of
_.......;.M.;.;.r...:;.-.:::G~i...:.l-=e.::;s_____ •
resolution was passed on this
1st
seconded by __...:.M..:.:r...:;.:..-.::L:..::e:..:::o:..:..:n~e.......;.___ • this day of _ _ _J_u_l-"-y_ _ _ _ _ _ , 1997 by
a vote of _4_ - _3_, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Okicki, and Mr. Bukowski voting No.
*As Amended.
APPROVED BY:
~dith M. Lynch
Date:_"""""7~/'::""'//,.......fL....,j7~_ _ __
ATTEST:
Da~~unty~
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County
Date:
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