County leaders unanimously oppose Stalin bust

BEDFORD — Honoring the requests of residents and veterans, the Bedford County Board of Supervisors agreed Monday to take a formal stand against a controversial bust of Joseph Stalin at the National D-Day Memorial in the city of Bedford.

Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a resolution opposing the bust of the Soviet dictator that was installed at the memorial earlier this month despite much protest.

Vice Chairwoman Annie Pollard, who motioned for the resolution’s approval, said Bedford would be looked upon in a negative way if the sculpture is not removed.

“I don’t see where Stalin fits in,” said Pollard, who mentioned the memorial’s purpose is to honor D-Day veterans. “I’m just embarrassed we have gone this course ... to put him on a pedestal, I think, is this worst thing that ever happened in this county” besides the lost lives of Bedford soldiers killed in the Normandy invasion.

Board members have no control over the independent memorial, which is operated by its own board of directors. However, they said the county is a financial supporter and has a right to take a position.

Pollard said Bedford County has invested about $700,000 into the memorial, which opened in 2001. The county is donating $23,750 to the site in its upcoming 2010-11 budget that takes effect July 1, according to the county’s website.

Pollard expressed concern over the impact the controversy could have on tourism and donations to the memorial.

She said Bobby Pollard, her late husband and former county supervisor, would never have voted to financially support the memorial with taxpayer money had the Stalin bust been present when he was alive.

“It is unfortunate we have come to this point where we had to do this publicly,” Forest District Supervisor John Sharp said of opposing the foundation’s decision to install the Stalin bust. “It reflects on Bedford County and city.”

Supervisor Dale Wheeler emphasized the county’s financial support of the memorial over the years. “I find it embarrassing we are even having this conversation,” he said.

Bedford County Administrator Kathleen Guzi read a letter to the board from Robin Reed, the memorial foundation’s new president who started Monday. Reed, who replaced retired foundation president William McIntosh, requested the board postpone its action to give him more time to analyze the Stalin bust, and said that he is aware of the public’s concerns.

“My motion still stands,” Pollard said after the letter was read.

Prior to the vote, several people asked board members to oppose the bust. Wayne Schwartz, of Goode, said he has given thousands to the memorial but he and his wife are withdrawing financial support until the bust is removed because he doesn’t want school children to visit the site and get the idea that it is honoring the dictator.

“Stalin is probably the most hated person of the 20th century,” Schwartz said. “This bust has no place at the memorial.”

The foundation has already received a letter of concern from Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th District. Perriello said in the letter he would request its removal should the memorial become part of the National Park Service, a measure that is under federal review.

“I believe the inclusion of the Stalin bust on the memorial’s grounds is beyond the foundation’s mission and even inconsistent with it,” Perriello said in the letter. “I am also concerned that the ongoing controversy could negatively impact our shared goal of having the memorial designated as part of the park service.”

James Morrison, a Moneta resident and veteran, told supervisors Monday, “if the Bedford community stands by and lets this desecration continue, people will blame Bedford as much as they do the foundation.”

Virginia Showers, a 23-year-old Bedford resident, spoke through tears, saying that the younger generation also opposes Stalin’s presence at the memorial.

“Bedford is the only place in this country where Stalin is honored,” said Harvey Clark, a Bedford resident. “I’m ashamed of that fact.”