As America celebrates 250 years since declaring its independence from the British monarchy, the City of Monroe will honor one of the nations founding fathers and the municipality’s namesake — James P. Monroe.
At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, the local Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Nathaniel Ames Chapter will hold a presentation to honor America 250, as well as present city officials with a placque of James P. Monroe.
A presentation of colors will include members of the Wisconsin Sons of the Revolution Color Guard donning their classic 18th Century attire. A quintet of Monroe High School students will sing the Star Spangled Banner. Opening remarks will be done by Don Skarda-Wissar, SOR president. Bill Austin will speak for the dedication of the plaque, which will have a home at City Hall. Further reading and remarks will be given by George Abrams, Monroe Mayor Tom Miller and Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Kathy Comeau. The keynote speaker will be Assembly District 50 Representative Jenna Jacobson.
James P. Monroe was one of the United States’ founding fathers. He served as the country’s fifth president (1817-1825). He was the last founding father to serve as president.
While president, he issued the Monroe Doctrine, limiting European colonialism in the Americas. Before becoming president, James P. Monroe served as a U.S. Senator, Ambassador to France and Britain, seventh Secretary of State and the eighth Secretary of War.
The plaque ads:
During the Revolutionary war he served with the Continental Army. He was with General George Washington at Valley Forge and was severely wounded at the Battle of Trenton. He later represented President Thomas Jefferson and helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase. For these and many other accomplishments, the City of Monroe is proud to be named after him.”