Polk officially accepts certificate of title

COLUMBUS—Polk County is the official owner of the Charters of Freedom, dedicated in Veterans Park last week. 

The board of commissioners met Monday and took a picture with the certificate of title for the Charters of Freedom and spoke on what a wonderful event the dedication was last Tuesday. 

Commissioner chair Tommy Melton took a moment to brag on the event. 

“It was absolutely wonderful,” Melton said. “I’d just like to say that it was a wonderful event, well prepared, and I was honored to be a part of it.” 

Commissioner Ray Gasperson said the Charters of Freedom remind him of the doughboy statue in Columbus, as both were accomplished with no taxpayer money. 

“That is the way to do monuments and statues,” Gasperson said. 

The Charters of Freedom are replicas of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. The structures are built to last 300-500 years and include a time capsule that will be open on Sept. 17, 2087. The dedication and unveiling of the Charters of Freedom was held on Constitution Day last week. 

Foundation Forward Inc. gave the county the Charters of Freedom with many volunteers from the area involved in the preparation of the site as well as setting the heavy structures. Polk County and Columbus worked together on the project as well as decided the best site for the structures. 

Columbus Town Council met last Thursday and complimented councilman Robert Williamson of his work on the project. 

Councilman Mark Phillips said the dedication was very well done and commended Williamson for all his work on the Charters of Freedom. 

“It’s impressive,” Phillips said. “And the ceremony was equally impressive and educational.” 

Williamson said he wants to document everything that was done for the project by writing a report to tell the story, including newspaper articles and all the photographs in the time capsule. 

Williamson thanked all the council members for their words and for the town’s support of the project. 

“It was a team sport,” Williamson said. “Really, it was. Thank you. I appreciate the town’s support.”