Post receives bronze plaque inscribed with words that “denotes patriotism and a call for brotherhood” but has an unknown history.
Located three miles off historic Route 66, American Legion Post 147 in Miami, Okla., received a bronze plaque inscribed with words that “denotes patriotism and a call for brotherhood” but has an unknown history.
After providing honor guard funeral services for a local veteran, the post received the plaque from the veteran’s son who found it collecting dust in his father’s garage. The son donated the 850-pound plaque to the post, and post members built a monument to house it on the post’s front lawn.
“The words are touching; it’s meaningful,” said Roy Woods, a member of Post 147.
The plaque reads, “In response to the promise of liberty, justice and freedom of religion, we left our native lands which we loved so dearly and, coming from the farthest corners of the world, we arrived in America. We fished in her waters, farmed her fields, worked in her factories, sold her products and realized that here in this beautiful land we had fulfilled our hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children. Now united as one people, we work toward our goal of living as equal Americans. God bless America and the good people who made her strong.”
Post members have not been able to track down the history of the plaque or who authored it.
“This is a relic that was completely lost, and I wish I knew more about it,” Woods said.
The monument has become a post attraction. People visit and take pictures, and more than 200 people attended the dedication ceremony for the monument last year.
- Dispatch