Siegel issues statement on possible monument removal

Rep. Josh Siegel    June 30, 2023 | 11:27 AM

HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Josh Siegel released a statement on the possibility of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Allentown being removed.

“The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was built in 1899 to honor Pennsylvania Civil War veterans. Ever since, it has been a big part of what Allentown is and means to the folks who live there. Not only is it a monument to look at in awe, but it is also a symbol of Allentown’s history and America’s history.

“I will work with the county and ANIZDA to make sure that we can make changes to Center Square to make it more accessible and usable for the public while also preserving and protecting Allentown’s history and making sure that our future doesn’t jeopardize our past. Whatever changes are made, they should honor the city’s past and legacy and build upon it. It’s important to remember that we do not need to destroy the past to build a better future and I will do everything I can to ensure that Allentown does not destroy its past,” Siegel said.

The city of Allentown is planning to spend more than $2.5 million on a redesign of Center Square, which is at the intersection at Seventh and Hamilton streets where the monument stands.

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