A July 4 celebration at Twining Park in Monroe commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. was held, as was the dedication of a plaque for President James Monroe, whom the city is named after.

The Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard posted the colors donning their classic 18th Century attire, local students sang the Star Spangled Banner, and multiple guest speakers took part in the dedication. Among the guest speakers was 50th Assembly District Rep. Jenna Jacobson. She spoke about the qualities that made James Monroe a great president and a man of valor who stood alongside George Washington at Valley Forge.

Also speaking was Monroe Mayor Tom Miller, Don Skarda-Wissar, SOR president, Bill Austin, George Abrams and Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Kathy Comeau.

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.

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.”

The plaque will be permanently displayed in front of City Hall. The effort was spearheaded by the local and state chapters of the Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (the Nathaniel Ames Chapter), and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).