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What Is The History Behind The Alamo Cenotaph & Why Is It So Controversial Today?

Alain Secretan/Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) http://bit.ly/2vDLhBG

As plans for the redesign of Alamo Plaza evolve, the Cenotaph monument has become a focal point in debates to renovatethe historic battle site.

The most recent draft of the Alamo Plaza master plan suggests moving the 60-foot-tall structure to another location, as well as repairing the aging stone and concrete frame.

The sculpture is also called "The Spirit of Sacrifice," named after the themefor which it was commissioned during the state's 100 year anniversary in 1936. The monument is meant to honor the defenders of the siege and Battle of the Alamo

How did the monument come to be at the Alamo, and how did it become so controversial? What are the proposed changes to the Cenotaph, and why do some supporters want it left alone?

As San Antonio celebrates its tricentennial year, how can residents and tourists remember the fallen with dignity?

 
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Jan Ross Piedad Sakian is TPR’s News Operations Producer. In this role, she develops strategy on collaborative and digital initiatives for the station. Since 2016, Jan Ross has served in a coordinating capacity for TPR’s state and national partners, including The Texas Newsroom.
David Martin Davies can be reached at dmdavies@tpr.org and on Twitter at @DavidMartinDavi