[VAcourier] Franklin Co. Monument Destoryed

[Virginia Division SCV Communication List]

June 8, 2007
Toppled Confederate monument can't be restored; new one considered
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=6633677

One of Franklin County's most historic monuments is now just pieces of 
rubble.  A pickup truck plowed into it and knocked it over Thursday night.

Rocky Mount police say 53-year-old John Clifton Ozmore, Junior was 
speeding when he lost control of his Chevy S-10 pickup and hit the 
Confederate Monument in front of the courthouse in Rocky Mount.  The 
monument was knocked over and heavily damaged.

The truck came to a stop on the courthouse steps.  Ozmore was treated 
and released from a hospital Thursday night.  He's been charged with 
driving under the influence.

The statue is a monument to the confederate soldiers of Franklin 
County.  It was dedicated in the early 1900's.

It doesn't look like the Confederate monument shattered into many pieces 
last night <http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=6629526> can be 
restored.

Members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy stopped by the 
Franklin County Courthouse to survey the damage done to a piece of their 
history.  A society representative says the solider that stood atop it 
was destroyed.  The base was also heavily damaged.  But they would like 
to salvage pieces to be used in a new monument.

The four-layered statue made of granite and marble was a tribute to the 
Confederate soldiers from Franklin County.  It was dedicated in 1910.  
The Jubal A. Early Chapter of the Daughters of the Condfederacy was the 
driving force behind it.

The group wants to see the monument replaced exactly as it was.  
Franklin County leaders seem to favor the rebuilding.  It's unclear how 
long rebuilding might take, or whether John Clifton Ozmore, Jr. has auto 
insurance that could cover the cost.

The price tag for the monument could easly run several hundred thousand 
dollars.  The driver is due in court next Wednesday.  Franklin County 
Commonwealth's Attorney tells us they are considering additional charges.


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