QUINCY, Fla. (WTXL) — A monument in honor of confederate soldiers displayed directly in front of the doors to the Gadsden County Courthouse has been there since 1884, but that could soon change.
That monument is currently the subject of countless pictures.
"This is one of the last that I've seen that's still erected," said Rich Diaz.
People like Diaz are capturing the monument honoring Confederate soldiers before it's too late. Diaz says he wants to get the right shot before this monument comes down like others across the country.
County commissioner Brenda Holt wants to see it come down.
"When you have something that's offensive to one group for 136 years, only fairness, kindness, and compassion will help you do the right thing," said Holt.
She's not alone. In two days, more than 3,000 people signed the petition started by Charles Gee to remove the monument.
"It's a reminder of our terrible past and shameful history," Gee said.
Etched into the monument are the words, "Sacred to the memory of the confederate soldiers."
Gee says it's a symbol of pain from the past in one of the state's most populated African-American counties.
"This monument, celebrating those that fought to keep black people enslaved, is not a proper reflection of the identity of this county," said Gee.
For others, it's an important part of our country's history that they do not want to see erased.
"It's been there over 100 years," Diaz said. "It's a historic monument. My question is, what's next?"
Gadsden County commissioners will hold a special meeting Thursday to discuss removing the monument.
