“The statue is intended to honor Lincoln’s promise — the origin of the VA motto — ‘To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,’” the group said in a release Monday.
On March 4, 1865, one of the last official actions taken by Lincoln was to sign legislation establishing a system of soldier’s homes to care for the veterans of the Civil War. The Dayton Soldiers Home was one of three homes initially authorized.
The Dayton VA Medical Center will donate land and provide much of the infrastructure and foundation for the park.
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“The park and statue will honor Lincoln’s legacy, serving as an educational focal point and a therapeutic, reflective and healing haven for veterans and their families who come from far and wide seeking treatment at the Dayton VAMC,” said Glenn Costie, who served as Dayton VA Medical Center’s director from 2011 to 2017.
“The new memorial will revitalize the Dayton VA campus, inspiring our community to care for those who have served our country and encouraging veterans to share their stories, experiences and wisdom with current and future generations,” DeFries said in the release.
The bronze statue is designed by award-winning Urbana artist Mike Major. It will depict Lincoln sitting with a pen in hand, with the legislation he just signed. Major also designed and created the Lincoln statue placed on Dayton’s Courthouse Square in 2016.
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The American Veterans Heritage Center is a non-profit, 501c(3) corporation that honors the accomplishments of veterans.
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