State Rep. Lyle Larson, R-Dist. 122, is urging the Texas Historical Commission to reject a plan to move the Alamo Cenotaph.
Larson sent a letter to the members of the commission saying the monument should remain on the Alamo grounds.
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“The reverence of a memorial is only as powerful as its proximity to the original events where the brave individuals it seeks to honor perished,” Larson said in the letter.
In December, San Antonio’s Historic and Design Review Commission approved moving the Cenotaph to the intersection of Bonham and Crockett Streets, which will be closed to traffic and converted to a park.
San Antonio commission approves new location for Cenotaph
To see a copy of the Alamo Plaza redesign that was approved by the city, click here.
In his letter, Larson cited a recent decision by the National Park Service to preserve monuments where they stand in the Gettysburg National Military Park.
“A Gettysburg Park spokesperson summarized the sentiment perfectly, stating, ‘These memorials, erected predominantly in the early and mid-20th Century, are an important part of the cultural landscape,'” Larson said in the letter, and said he believed the same sentiment applies to the Alamo Cenotaph.
“As with the monuments in Gettysburg Park, it is important to honor those who bravely defended the Alamo by keeping the Cenotaph where it currently stands in Alamo Plaza,” Larson said.
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Claire Barnett, who is running against Larson for the District 122 seat, issued the following statement:
“I understand and respect the strong opinions that many Texans have regarding the proposed move and repairs to the Cenotaph. The Alamo is an important part of our state’s history and holds significance to many different residents with distinct views and perspectives. It is appropriately the job of the Historic and Design Review Commission to weigh these varying interests, taking into account a range of considerations from our rich Texas history, and make a decision that best balances these concerns. It is my job as a candidate for state house to focus on issues that are under the purview of the state legislature and are the most pressing concerns to Texans in their daily lives today—issues such as addressing the fact that Texas has the highest rate of uninsurance and the highest number of uninsured children in the nation; ending gerrymandering and ensuring a fair redistributing process that guarantees Texas voters are able to pick their elected officials, rather than allowing politicians to pick their voters; and responding to the challenges and opportunities of climate instability by remaining a leader in renewable energy and ensuring clean air and water for all residents.”