The statue is coming home where it belongs. I am physically drained by this fight but knowing we secured this outcome makes the long struggle worth the cost. We will be watching to ensure the final installation happens without any more delays.
May 14, 2019
Final supporters
DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT OF THE PETITION WE HAVE INCREASED THE GOAL TO 3,000 SIGNATURES! Thank you for the support, let's keep going!
This is a public plea to BRING THE KATE SMITH STATUE TO WILDWOOD, NJ created by American Legion Post 184.
"God Bless America" is the most patriotic song in our county. It has become the song for the American people and for our veterans. In 1918 during WWI, Irving Berlin wrote the song while on the US Army base Camp Upton. The song was revised in the lead up to WWII in 1938 and later recorded by Kate Smith. The song was introduced by Kate Smith on her radio show during an Armistice Day broadcast that year from the World's Fair. From then forward, Smith's rendition consistently played around the country, from rallies to sporting events. It has been played ever since WWI in every war and conflict.
Amidst the controversy surrounding Kate Smith's past, Wildwood, NJ mayor Ernie Troiano Jr was asked if he will discontinue playing her version of "God Bless America" each morning on the Wildwood boardwalk. He firmly said the song would stay, as a symbol of patriotism and support for veterans. American Legion Post 184 supports his decision 100%, and we are proud to be residents in a town where the Mayor has integrity and endless support for veterans.
The removal of the statue is an attack on veterans who fought for this country. Without the veterans of this country, the American people would not know the freedoms they have today. Kate Smith traveled over 500,000 miles in her lifetime to perform for the troops. To us, she is Miss Patriotism.
NOW FOR OUR PLEA: Since the removal of the statue, tens of thousands of comments have been posted to social media disagreeing with the decision of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Veterans in Wildwood support the Mayor's plea to move the statue and have created this petition to show the statue's owners just how much we care.
If you agree the Kate Smith statue should have a new, loving home in Wildwood, NJ SIGN THIS PETITION AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!
Support your local veterans daily, praise them, and thank them. To follow the American Legion on Facebook visit us facebook.com/legion184. Or visit our website legion184.org
Updates
April 26, 2019
We just hit one hundred signatures. It is a long road ahead and the pushback is heavy but I am grateful to see others who care about this as much as I do.
Reached 1,000 supporters
April 25, 2019
April 25, 2019
The momentum behind this effort has been exhausting to keep up with but it shows how many people truly care about this issue. I am running on very little sleep lately yet watching this grow keeps me moving forward.
Reached 100 supporters
April 25, 2019
976 Comments
To remove her statue for singing this particular song reflects a total ignorance of the song, it’s history, others who sang it (Robeson), and all the volunteer work Kate Smith selflessly performed on behalf of the war effort during WW II. Send Kate to Wildwood. She needs a vacation.
Flyers have lost their minds, the people they're catering to aren't even fans. Give lady Kate to people who appreciate her. She will also be seen by millions as compared to thousands at games. Send Kate to the beach!!!
My grandfather was a Korean War Veteran. Any time I hear Kate's version of God Bless America makes me think of him. It saddens me that Cape May decide to follow suit with the Yankees and the Flyers. I look forward to hearing Kate on the boardwalk.
North Wildwood would be the best place for the statue. After the national anthem, God Bless America is played every day on the boardwalk. Our Mayor and the people who live in N Wildwood would be proud to have Kate’s statue here.
I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran. I love Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America”. If the Flyers no longer want to display her statue, then I would absolutely love to see her statue be displayed on the Wildwood boardwalk. I thank you and God Bless America.
The era of performative cancellation is over. People see right through it now. Kate Smith was a patriot and the heartbeat of this franchise during its greatest years. Scrubbing her legacy based on a few 1930s recordings is a weak move that ignores decades of her service to this country. It’s time the Flyers stopped being afraid of the noise and brought back our tradition.
We want Kate back we’re she belongs ! Enough with all this nonsense! They should have never taken her down ! God Bless America and God Bless Kate !
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
The statue is coming home where it belongs. I am physically drained by this fight but knowing we secured this outcome makes the long struggle worth the cost. We will be watching to ensure the final installation happens without any more delays.
May 14, 2019
Final supporters
DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT OF THE PETITION WE HAVE INCREASED THE GOAL TO 3,000 SIGNATURES! Thank you for the support, let's keep going!
This is a public plea to BRING THE KATE SMITH STATUE TO WILDWOOD, NJ created by American Legion Post 184.
"God Bless America" is the most patriotic song in our county. It has become the song for the American people and for our veterans. In 1918 during WWI, Irving Berlin wrote the song while on the US Army base Camp Upton. The song was revised in the lead up to WWII in 1938 and later recorded by Kate Smith. The song was introduced by Kate Smith on her radio show during an Armistice Day broadcast that year from the World's Fair. From then forward, Smith's rendition consistently played around the country, from rallies to sporting events. It has been played ever since WWI in every war and conflict.
Amidst the controversy surrounding Kate Smith's past, Wildwood, NJ mayor Ernie Troiano Jr was asked if he will discontinue playing her version of "God Bless America" each morning on the Wildwood boardwalk. He firmly said the song would stay, as a symbol of patriotism and support for veterans. American Legion Post 184 supports his decision 100%, and we are proud to be residents in a town where the Mayor has integrity and endless support for veterans.
The removal of the statue is an attack on veterans who fought for this country. Without the veterans of this country, the American people would not know the freedoms they have today. Kate Smith traveled over 500,000 miles in her lifetime to perform for the troops. To us, she is Miss Patriotism.
NOW FOR OUR PLEA: Since the removal of the statue, tens of thousands of comments have been posted to social media disagreeing with the decision of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Veterans in Wildwood support the Mayor's plea to move the statue and have created this petition to show the statue's owners just how much we care.
If you agree the Kate Smith statue should have a new, loving home in Wildwood, NJ SIGN THIS PETITION AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!
Support your local veterans daily, praise them, and thank them. To follow the American Legion on Facebook visit us facebook.com/legion184. Or visit our website legion184.org
Updates
April 26, 2019
We just hit one hundred signatures. It is a long road ahead and the pushback is heavy but I am grateful to see others who care about this as much as I do.
Reached 1,000 supporters
April 25, 2019
April 25, 2019
The momentum behind this effort has been exhausting to keep up with but it shows how many people truly care about this issue. I am running on very little sleep lately yet watching this grow keeps me moving forward.
Reached 100 supporters
April 25, 2019
976 Comments
Kate Smith's statue should reside in Wildwood where it will be appreciated. Wildwood is a town where Veteran's, Soldier's and Music have always been held sacred. Kate Smith's God Bless America is a song about honor & freedom that should be celebrated not silenced.
To remove her statue for singing this particular song reflects a total ignorance of the song, it’s history, others who sang it (Robeson), and all the volunteer work Kate Smith selflessly performed on behalf of the war effort during WW II. Send Kate to Wildwood. She needs a vacation.
Flyers have lost their minds, the people they're catering to aren't even fans. Give lady Kate to people who appreciate her. She will also be seen by millions as compared to thousands at games. Send Kate to the beach!!!
My grandfather was a Korean War Veteran. Any time I hear Kate's version of God Bless America makes me think of him. It saddens me that Cape May decide to follow suit with the Yankees and the Flyers. I look forward to hearing Kate on the boardwalk.
North Wildwood would be the best place for the statue. After the national anthem, God Bless America is played every day on the boardwalk. Our Mayor and the people who live in N Wildwood would be proud to have Kate’s statue here.
I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran. I love Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America”. If the Flyers no longer want to display her statue, then I would absolutely love to see her statue be displayed on the Wildwood boardwalk. I thank you and God Bless America.
The era of performative cancellation is over. People see right through it now. Kate Smith was a patriot and the heartbeat of this franchise during its greatest years. Scrubbing her legacy based on a few 1930s recordings is a weak move that ignores decades of her service to this country. It’s time the Flyers stopped being afraid of the noise and brought back our tradition.
We want Kate back we’re she belongs ! Enough with all this nonsense! They should have never taken her down ! God Bless America and God Bless Kate !
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Kate Smith's statue should reside in Wildwood where it will be appreciated. Wildwood is a town where Veteran's, Soldier's and Music have always been held sacred. Kate Smith's God Bless America is a song about honor & freedom that should be celebrated not silenced.