Fr. Richard W. Frank
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
I was invited to participate in the recent dedication of a replica of the disputed Civil War monument that was removed by order of the City Council. I was happy to do so because of my interest in Civil War history and because my great grandfather and Civil War ancestor Nicholas Frank was part of the Union forces that repulsed the Confederates at Moreau Bottoms.
I happen to be a Catholic priest and a private citizen, but I did not participate in any official capacity representing the Catholic Church nor the Diocese of Jefferson City, but only as a student of history and a charter member of the local Camp Lillie, Sons of Union Veterans.
I did not take into account this replica of the Civil War marker has been and continues to be a source of scandal and serious disturbance, not only to the Catholic community but to the larger society, due to the fact it symbolizes to many racism and social disharmony. I am sincerely sorry and apologize to those whom I offended and scandalized by my participation in this event.