Town Commissioners To Keep Controversial Plaque On Statue

EMMITSBURG, Md. (AP) -- Emmitsburg commissioners have announced their decision to keep a controversial plaque at the base of a statue.

Board of Commissioners President Tim O'Donnell tells The Frederick News-Post the commissioners received feedback regarding the plaque before they made the announcement Tuesday.

The plaque on the Emmitsburg statue recognizes over 100 local WWI veterans and features three names under the heading "Colored Soldiers."

O'Donnell says some local veteran groups wanted the original plaque to be retained while others called for a new plaque that does not refer to race.

The statue stood in front of the Emmit House in Emmitsburg until it was hit by a car in June. The four town commissioners who were present also voted to accept a $40,000 bid to fix the statue.