In building memorials to the past, think of the present — and future
I fear the important stories of the underrepresented will be lost in the controversy that will ensue.
I commend Dennis Fiori’s September 6 opinion piece regarding the two proposed 250th Permanent Memorials. Like him, I applaud the 250th Permanent Memorials Committee’s decision to plant 250 native street trees throughout Acton. The trees project is in the spirit of the Revolution and Acton. It is a gift to the future.
Additionally, Dennis and I and many others oppose the location and design of the Committee’s second project. The proposed location, Parcel 1693, is an approximately 4,000-square-foot grass and treed lot located in Monument Square between the Holy Family Parish Center and the driveway to the parking lot behind Vanderhoof Hardware. The envisioned design consists of a 2-foot-high, 120-foot-long granite wall running near the Holy Family lot line and five 6-foot etched-glass columns standing on a paved plaza.
A memorial to the past shouldn’t compromise the present and future. By developing the last small green space left in historic Acton Center, we are also doing a disservice to the underrepresented we seek to honor. Isn’t it time to stop building monuments there? Imagine if the Memorial Committees for the Revolution’s 275th, 300th, 325th, etc. seek to build extravagant memorials. In 2035, Acton will celebrate its 400th birthday. Where in the Center will they put that memorial?
Memorials to mistreated groups, including Indigenous Peoples and Blacks, can be placed in relevant locations around Acton and not jammed into this small piece of land. Parcel 1693 would be best as a pocket park for peace and contemplation. If the committee persists in developing this parcel, I fear the important stories of the underrepresented will be lost in the controversy that will ensue.
Joanne Gibson
Newbury Court
