Here's a Civil War Memorial that belongs in the public square.
Which is where it is, in Butler, MO.
It memorializes genuine heroes.
It commemorates courageous acts in defense of the Union.
It preserves real history in its plaque, which reads:
"'First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry'
"The 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry fought and won the Battle of Island Mound,
also known as The Battle of Fort Toothman, on October 28 & 29, 1862 in
Charlotte Township approx 7.5 miles southwest of Butler.
It is said to have been the only battle fought on Bates County soil
in which regular U.S. troops were involved.
The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry was the first black unit to fight in the Civil War.
Reportedly, Southern rebels outnumbered the black troops five to one,
attacked the fort and fierce hand-to-hand combat ensued.
Of [them] it was written, 'They Fought Like Tigers.'"
The sculpture was funded and placed by The Amen Society.