KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) - A Sherman tank that has honored World War II veterans at a Kokomo park for decades has become the focus of finger-pointing over rumors that it will be moved.
Mayor Greg Goodnight denies the city plans to move the M4 tank that has been displayed at Foster Park to an American Legion post. But Legion officials say they were contacted about the tank and urged to write a letter to Goodnight requesting that it be moved.
Legion Post 6 Commander Jerry Mitchell said he was approached about a month ago about acquiring the tank. But he said he’s having second thoughts now because of the turmoil swirling over the notion.
“If it is going to cause this much of a ruckus, we don’t want it,” Mitchell told the Kokomo Tribune (https://bit.ly/1Bu5jXD ).
“We did not request the tank, and we did not mean to step on anyone’s toes. If it stays in Foster Park, that is all right,” he added.
Goodnight has denied that he plans to move the tank from Foster Park and said veterans’ groups have contacted the city over the years about moving the tank to a more veteran-centered location.
“We always want to work with veterans organizations to highlight their service, so we listened to their ideas carefully. We entertain all suggestions to improve our city,” he said in a statement.
“The tank may be part of the Kokomo Parks Department, but it is truly owned by all veterans in Howard County. As such, we will not move it unless all area veterans groups determine that is what they want,” he added.
Howard County Republican Party Chairman Craig Dunn said a “trustworthy” source had informed him of the city’s plan to move the tank.
Jerry Paul, president of the Howard County Veterans Memorial, said he is concerned that debate surrounding the potential move has been prompted by partisan politics.
“I got called by an elected official asking me to look into the situation, and I told them that the veterans did not support playing politics with the moving of a tank,” Paul said. “Because it is an election year, this is not a good time to use veterans as talking points and to divide us for votes.
“I do not appreciate it, and I know the other veterans do not appreciate it. Whatever they want to do, they don’t need to use us.”
He said he opposes moving the tank because the park is centrally located.
“It is part of who we are, and there is no rhyme or reason to move the tank. If they want to take military equipment there, I am sure they can find something to take to the legion,” Paul said.
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Information from: Kokomo Tribune, https://www.ktonline.com
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