Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net
Kate Smith
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Kate Smith Marc Mellon, 1987 * Statue of Kate Smith * standing person * Was behind the Spectrum at Broad and Pattison. The Spectrum was demolished early 2011. Reinstalled in the current location in 2012 without the the plaque. The picture is from the original location. * inscription: Kate Smith 1907-1986 Blessed with a voice and presence which led her to stardom on Broadway, radio, and television, Miss Smith came to symbolize joyous, homespun, American patriotism. Her stirring rendition of "God Bless America" introduced on Armistice Day 1938 lifted the spirits of the nation after the Great Depression and inspired us to persevere through the agony of World War II. When president Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced Kate to the King and Queen of England he said "This is Kate Smith... This is America!" During World War II, Miss Smith raised more than $600 million in War Bond sales and in 1982, President Ronald Reagan presented her with the nation's highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom. Kate Smith had a special relationship with the Flyers and the City of Philadephia. Her live performances of "God Bless America" helped inspire the Flyers to become Stanley Cup Champions for the first time in 1974. This statue, honoring one of America's greatest patriots, is a gift from the Philadelphia Flyers to the people of our great country. Dedicated: October 5, 1987 * On the path from the parking lot behind Xfinity Live. Southwest of the Southwest corner of 11th and Pattison. * 39.903600,-75.170000 [map] * On the South Broad tour. * Exhibits: Moved * See also: +Philadelphia Flyers +shingcollection.com's Marc Mellon page +katesmith.org +xfinitylive.com |