It's a question that seems almost silly to ask: Should a statue of Walter Payton be erected outside Soldier Field?
Good Lord, of course. He's the greatest player in Bears history, maybe in NFL history, and was beloved off the field as well as on. This is the no-brainer of no-brainers.
Except it's not. The Chicago Park District doesn't want it to happen because, according to the Chicago Tribune, "Soldier Field and the area surrounding it is to be preserved strictly as a memorial to war veterans."
Well, that makes perfect sense. Football is war-like, but it's not war. And to mix fake war with those who fought in real wars is beyond insensitive.
Vote in the poll and let's hear your thoughts.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: Chicago Bears, Soldier Field, Walter Payton
This should turn into a real good debate. On one hand you have the greatest NFL player, who gave all he had and then some. But then you have the park district who's hands are tied in a sense because Solider Field is a memorial for war veterans.
I personally voted for there being a statue of Walter. He represents what a true citizen should be. He always gave and took the time for the people. He never cried when it was contract time. On the field you never saw him give less then 110%. Off the field he was the same way.
It seems that somewhere by Solider Field, there should be a piece of land that the statue should be placed. I know the park district said they would let them place the statue in another park, but Walter belongs at Soldier Field for all he did for the Bears and fans. So draw a line that says this side is war memorial and this side is not. Then put the statue up!
I agree with much of what antuck says. Walter was an excellent role model and citizen for Chicago. This debate seems ridiculous at first, but the position of the Park District is understandable.
I can certainly respect the fact that the stadium and surrounding areas are dedicated to veterans and soldiers, however, the major attraction to the stadium and the memorials is the fact that the bears play their home games there. Therefore, I believe that there should be some area dedicated to the players who have represented the values and beliefs that the Chicago Bears organization brings to the community.
Interesting. For War veterans, eh ? Why not dedicate a small piece of Soldier Field to its legendary son ? Say, a few square feet. Then build a memorial to Sweetness on that. Where there's a will there's a way. How does a sculpture of metal made in tribute to a fallen hero disrespect men who died a long time ago ? Build it.