In Peace Arch Park on the US Canadian border (I-5 crossing) is a small granite monument.  It was seldom noticed by anyone until January 2002 when Washington State legislator Hans Dunshee introduced a bill in the Legislature; "remove this monument." 

Apparently, back in 1940, highway 99 was dedicated as "The Jefferson Davis Highway."  Since Davis was president of the southern confederacy and a supporter of slavery, Dunshee feels this man should not be honored.

I say "preserve the marker" not so much to honor Davis, or the 1860s  confederacy, but to remember life in the 1940s.  Yes, the 1940s, 50s and early 60s. 

There is a small amount of nostalgia for going back to those so called wholesome times; especially among the "family values" crowd.  Some would like to turn back the clock on things like gay rights to a "Leave it to Beaver" time of 1950s families. 

People tend to forget that back then, groups like the "Daughters of the Confederacy" had more respect as well.  It wasn't unusual to place such a monument.  Segregation was still in practice in those days as well.  We should remember that whole story so we don't end up repeating it.

Different races and cultures of today's society means there are many kinds of music, worship and lifestyles among us.  It is hard to imagine how we could be a country of racial or cultural diversity if there were less choices.  Modern life offers a lot of alternatives that we now take for granted.   It is good to keep a few relics around to remind us of what society would be giving up if the social clock were turned back.

Last I heard, the Washington State Parks Commission has decided to move that monument farther from the highway and place some  interpritive signs around it.  This could better explane its context.  Good idea.

March 2002