Wilson, Graham Discuss Efforts to Honor Brigadier General Francis Marion
April 3, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
202-225-2452 (W)
202-468-3258 (C)
Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) spoke at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, South Carolina regarding the Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act (H.R. 5057). Senator Lindsey Graham also released a statement of support in favor of the legislation.
“I am extremely proud of Brigadier General Francis Marion’s fight for freedom and his historic legacy of bravery during the Revolutionary War. While we are pleased to have a park dedicated to the ’Swamp Fox’ in our nation’s capital, I agree with fellow South Carolinians that the park should contain a statue of him on the premises. H.R. 5057 is the first step of a lengthy process to establish his statue in Marion Park, and I am confident that our efforts will be successful,” said Congressman Joe Wilson.
Wilson continued, “I would specifically like to thank Ken Driggers and Nancy Stone-Collum of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, which is a conduit for the fundraising part of this process. They have been instrumental in ensuring that this project has the necessary funding and support. Additionally, I would like to recognize the South Carolina Humanities Council for supporting John McCabe, the man who originally had the vision to honor the ’Swamp Fox.’ John McCabe created the Francis Marion Park Committee to assist in the fundraising and planning efforts. The Committee includes B. Michael Carmody, John Warner, Charles Baxley, Dr. Walter B. Edgar, Sally Shropshire Williamson, Susan Poston Shirley, Eugene Simmons, Benjamin Zeigler, and Jeffrey Lewis.”
Senator Lindsey Graham will lead the effort to pass the legislation in the Senate, “Francis Marion was an American patriot. He embodies the spirit and dedication to freedom that is shared by all South Carolinians. I want to thank Congressman Wilson for leading the Congressional effort to allow a statue of the Swamp Fox to be placed in the Washington park bearing his name. This is the perfect example of public-private cooperation to honor a great American.”
The Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act authorizes the Marion Park Project and Committee of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation to establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Brigadier General Francis Marion. All members of the South Carolina delegation have signed on as cosponsors of this legislation.
From Start to Finish: Honoring Brigadier General Francis Marion:
CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
202-225-2452 (W)
202-468-3258 (C)
Wilson, Graham Discuss Efforts to Honor Brigadier General Francis Marion
Monday April 03, 2006
Monday April 03, 2006
Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) spoke at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, South Carolina regarding the Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act (H.R. 5057). Senator Lindsey Graham also released a statement of support in favor of the legislation.
“I am extremely proud of Brigadier General Francis Marion’s fight for freedom and his historic legacy of bravery during the Revolutionary War. While we are pleased to have a park dedicated to the ’Swamp Fox’ in our nation’s capital, I agree with fellow South Carolinians that the park should contain a statue of him on the premises. H.R. 5057 is the first step of a lengthy process to establish his statue in Marion Park, and I am confident that our efforts will be successful,” said Congressman Joe Wilson.
Wilson continued, “I would specifically like to thank Ken Driggers and Nancy Stone-Collum of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, which is a conduit for the fundraising part of this process. They have been instrumental in ensuring that this project has the necessary funding and support. Additionally, I would like to recognize the South Carolina Humanities Council for supporting John McCabe, the man who originally had the vision to honor the ’Swamp Fox.’ John McCabe created the Francis Marion Park Committee to assist in the fundraising and planning efforts. The Committee includes B. Michael Carmody, John Warner, Charles Baxley, Dr. Walter B. Edgar, Sally Shropshire Williamson, Susan Poston Shirley, Eugene Simmons, Benjamin Zeigler, and Jeffrey Lewis.”
Senator Lindsey Graham will lead the effort to pass the legislation in the Senate, “Francis Marion was an American patriot. He embodies the spirit and dedication to freedom that is shared by all South Carolinians. I want to thank Congressman Wilson for leading the Congressional effort to allow a statue of the Swamp Fox to be placed in the Washington park bearing his name. This is the perfect example of public-private cooperation to honor a great American.”
The Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act authorizes the Marion Park Project and Committee of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation to establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Brigadier General Francis Marion. All members of the South Carolina delegation have signed on as cosponsors of this legislation.
From Start to Finish: Honoring Brigadier General Francis Marion:
- Site Selection: After H.R. 5057 passes Congress, the National Park Service and National Capitol Memorial Advisory Committee will conduct a study to determine the best location for the statue. After their study is complete, they will announce a primary and back up site. Congressman Wilson is working to ensure that Marion Park (located at the intersection of E Street and South Carolina Avenue) is the primary site. The National Park Service will submit a final report to the National Capitol Planning Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office for approval.
- Monument Design: The Marion Park Project and Committee will select a designer for the statue, and choose a design concept. The National Park Service will approve the design and submit it to the National Capitol Planning Commission and Commission of Fine Arts to make necessary modifications and approve the final design.
- Fundraising: After the Marion Park Project and Committee completes its fundraising efforts, it will submit the approved drawings and specifications with cost estimates for project creation and construction and evidence of funds existing to the National Park Service. The Secretary of Interior will grant the final approval of the statue.
- Installation: The National Park Service will issue a construction permit on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. The Marion Park Project and Committee will begin construction and maintenance of the Memorial. After the Memorial is dedicated, it will be transferred to the National Park Service for management with maintenance and preservation plans.
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