ALLENDALE, Mich. — A statue in Allendale depicting a confederate soldier standing over a slave child has been vandalizedfor the second time this month.
Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Ottawa County) sent Fox 17 the photos above, along with the following statement:
"I stand in support of Allendale's Civil War statue located in the Allendale Veteran’s Garden of Honor. When some in the community raised concerns, Allendale Township Supervisor Adam Elenbaas responded openly and professionally. The Township Board of Trustees held public meetings to listen to the community and I applaud the Board for creating this dialogue," Meerman said in the statement.
"I support Allendale's efforts to put together a special committee but some have decided that this is not enough and have continued to break and destroy both the confederate and union soldier. Civil discourse is welcomed and encouraged but it is inexcusable to respond to a civil disagreement with the destruction of public property," Meerman continued in the statement.
"Repeatedly, the Civil War statue has been vandalized and it is disappointing that some have chosen violence over dialogue. Violence from anyone is meant to intimidate and force a viewpoint and we cannot tolerate action such as this. I stand with Allendale against this wonton destruction. We as a community stand against this," Meerman concluded in the statement.
This story is developing. We will provide updates as they become readily available.
