The National Infantry Museum Monument
A Project by The Coweta Falls Chapter
While we were at Fort Benning in September, 06 for the Constitution Week bell ringing ceremony, the Infantry Museum Director reiterated the invitation of the New Infantry Museum to reserve a place on the outdoor Heritage Park for a monument dedicated to the Revolutionary Infantryman.
He had previously invited Coweta Falls Chapter to take this on as a project. The Chapter Board of Managers had accepted the offer in principle on the basis that the majority, if not all, Coweta Falls members would share their enthusiasm. The Board of Managers’ view is that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we are uniquely fitted for -- given our Society's great goals to perpetuate the memory of the War for Independence and the exploits of those patriots who achieved eventual victory, both in the ranks and in material and spiritual support of the Revolution. The monument project would appear to represent a lot of what we stand for, and is worth our effort and support.
The sketch of the chapter's Infantry Museum monument shows a design approved in principle by the Board of Managers. The sketch shows a 4 foot high Continental infantryman etched on black granite, framed by a 6 foot high piece of Georgia blue-grey granite with 2 inch engraved lettering saying "Dedicated to the Revolutionary Infantryman whose patriotism, courage and sacrifice achieved the independence of the American people. American Revolution 1775-1783." Then follows a listing of' the 13 original colonies. At the bottom are the words "Erected by the Coweta Falls Chapter, Georgia Society, Sons of the American Revolution".
The quoted cost for this monument, with base and installed, is $11,000.
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park (the revised name of the project) will be a legacy to the Infantry. It is being built on 200 acres among majestic pines and hardwoods on familiar land where Columbus nears Fort Benning. The Coweta Falls monument will have a place on the Walk of Honor in Patriot Park near the 7-acre parade ground to be seen by those who come to watch their loved ones graduate from Infantry training. The quarter-mile Walk of Honor with gardens and memorials will lead visitors to the 193,000 sq. ft. Museum and the nearby Headquarters and sleeping quarters used by General George Patton.
A Maryland Continental Private is favored for the Infantry Museum memorial planned by the Coweta Falls Chapter. The six-foot high monument will feature a four foot figure of a typical Revolutionary infantryman.
Were others considered? Absolutely.
The hunting shirt look of the Georgia or Carolina patriot who fought at Kettle Creek and Kings Mountain was the sentimental favorite. So was the familiar Minuteman of Concord bridge fame, among others. The choice really lay between the militia uniform or that of the Continental soldier. If the monument were a Georgia monument , the militia uniform would he No. 1. But the monument should represent all the thirteen colonies. The Continental soldier enlisted and was commanded by officers appointed by the Continental Congress.
The proposed figure was painted by Don Troiani, well-known military artist, purchased by the National Park Service and featured on its Revolutionary War posters. It already has considerable acceptance and critical acclaim.
Officials are hopeful the Walk of Honor will open in 2008.
Bob Galer
