The Soldiers Memorial obelisk in Santa Fe, New Mexico, continues to draw controversy after being toppled by protesters in 2020 due to language deemed offensive to Native Americans. The monument has been a point of contention for decades, with the city council proposing its removal in the 1970s, only to be stopped by the governor at the time.
Restoration Efforts
A local historical group later sued the city to restore the monument, and a judge ruled in their favor. However, Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia stated that rebuilding the monument would be challenging due to its current condition and the requirement to consult with the State Historic Preservation Office to determine an alternative use.
The remains of the obelisk are currently on display at the New Mexico History Museum, where visitors can view the fragments and share ideas for its future. Despite these efforts, opposition remains within the community against restoring the monument or placing it back in a public space.
Dr. Christina Castro expressed her concerns, stating, ‘The people continue to speak, and we will never be okay with the resurrection of that antiquated, racist monument to genocide of our people.’ The city is now faced with the task of finding a solution that respects the monument’s historical significance while addressing the concerns of the community.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
