Veterans, local civic leaders and community members joined in celebrating Peoria’s newest historic memorial Sunday during a dedication ceremony at Springdale Cemetery.
The event in conjunction with Flag Day served as the formal unveiling of Patriot Plaza, honoring three Revolutionary War soldiers with markers around a concrete circle and flagpole near Soldier Hill.
'History happens here'
“May this plaza serve as reminder that history is not just something that happens somewhere else. History happens here,” said Sarah Varnes, president of the Springdale Historic Preservation Foundation. “These patriots were here, and it's now our responsibility to reserve their legacy.”
Developing the plaza was a joint effort between foundation, the Captain Zeally Moss chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Peoria chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR].
The plaza markers honor Moss, the father of Bradley University founder Lydia Moss Bradley, and privates William Crow and Levin Powell. Records indicate all three were present at Yorktown for the British surrender in 1781, and they came to Peoria years after the war.
“Tonight, we see the culmination of years of research, partnership and dedication,” said Linda Sedgwick, a DAR trustee who also spoke as a representative of the Peoria Historical Society. “To the descendants of these soldiers gathered here today, these men are not forgotten. They never were.”
A 13-star “Betsy Ross” American flag was hoisted on the new flagpole during the ceremony, as color guards held other historic U.S. flags around the plaza circle. Among them was a 21-star flag introduced after Illinois became a state.
State Sen. Dave Koehler read a proclamation in honor of Patriot Plaza issued by Gov. JB Pritzker, preceded by Peoria City Council member Zach Oyler delivering another proclamation from Mayor Rita Ali.
“We live in a time when it can be difficult to find common ground. But I believe that standing here today, honoring men who gave everything so that this republic might exist, reminds us of what we share,” said Bradley President James Shadid.
“The freedoms that we sometimes take for granted were paid for in full by people like Captain Zeally Moss, Private William Crow and Private Levin Powell. They asked for nothing in return; they simply answered the call to serve.”
Varnes said fundraising efforts are ongoing to continue work on the plaza, with plans to improve accessibility in consideration of the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA].
“Patriot Plaza isn't just about preserving history,” she said. “It's about making sure everyone has the opportunity to experience it.”
