Robert Hamilton - City Council, Wellington, KS (2026)

11/02/2023

Laura Lombardi for Mayor

09/01/2022

I have been approached countless times over the last two weeks with concerns over the idea that the cannons are being moved.

I have been silent on this issue for a while now and I feel it's important now to dispell the misinformation and petty attacks being spread.

I love the cannons and they are not "going away".

The decision to move the cannons was not taken lightly and over the last year we have met with many boards, as well as, the County Commissioners to consider the best course of action/location. The County Courthouse and the future Veteran's Memorial near the Railroad Museum were considered and it was determined that the Chisholm Trail Museum, with its countless Veteran's memorabilia, was best suited.

Our mission is to preserve them in a permanant location where they can be well maintained and the history be narrated and remembered. Our mission is also to open Heritage Plaza up for future events and community gatherings.

I am extremely disheartened by individuals who make it their mission to obstruct positive development in our community. I feel we need visonaries, volunteers, and indivduals who want to push us forward.

Mayor Valentine irresponsibly attacked our group by saying we were "desecrating the graves of fallen" this is utter nonsense and extremely hurtful. I have Veterans in my family, have volunteered at the Avenue of flags and have patroned/helped our local Veteran's posts as much as possible.

I urge everyone to thoughtfully consider what we are trying to create and how much time and effort we have volunteered thus far.

I welcome any questions or opinions on the subject.

Thank You

-Robert

The bronze cannons were used in the Mexican-American War and the Civil War, by both the Confederate and Union Armies. The cannon wheels are in need of repair. Photo by Rhonda Newberry