Dade City officials have reached an agreement to remove the World War II memorial gazebo, located just outside the courthouse, and replace it with a new Tolerance and Diversity Monument.
City officials say the new Tolerance and Diversity Monument will stand in support for all people who have struggled with issues like gay rights, racism, transgender equality, southern pride, and religious freedom.
The new monument will also raise flags of all different backgrounds and beliefs, which include the gay pride flag, Confederate flag, neo-Nazi flag, a flag the Islamic State, Japan’s Rising Sun Flag, and a flag bearing the crest of the City of Dade City.
City Officials believe it is important to recognize all beliefs and ideals and to be tolerant of them moving into the future.
Leading Dade City offical Walter Perryman believes everyone could benefit from the new change. “I really believe removing the WWII memorial and replacing it with a Tolerance and Diversity Monument will prevent controversial issues because it has something for everyone. We will be open to suggestions on which flags deserve a spot near the monument so everyone feels included.”
The Kumquat caught up with local resident Muhammad Jazz Caitlyn Ansari, a self-proclaimed southern, Islamic, gay, transgender, civil rights activist. “I’m a huge supporter of the new Tolerance and Diversity Monument. I believe the monument will be able to speak for everyone and represent our town’s vast diversity. The previous war veteran gazebo was just a representation of the past and it’s time to move forward. Like this is totally such a great idea.”
Construction on the $300,000 monument will be funded from tax payer's dollars and is set to begin construction on August 1st.
The current WWII memorial will be moved to a new spot just northwest of its current location. The memorial will be placed in Dade Oaks Apartments off of 14th St in Dade City.