Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of President Calvin Coolidge at Bok Tower Gardens as part of America’s upcoming 250th birthday during a press conference in Lake Wales this week.
"Coolidge governed as a constitutionalist, eliminated debt, balanced the budget, reduced taxes, and promoted a unified American civic tradition and culture," DeSantis said. He praised the president “who dedicated Bok Tower Gardens on Lake Wales in one of his last public appearances as President. As America marks its 250th anniversary, I was proud to honor President Coolidge with this new statue.”
Coolidge was president of the United States from 1923 to 1929. Known as "Silent Cal," Coolidge led the United States through an economic boom during the Roaring Twenties by emphasizing a small government, pro-business approach.
He also served as vice president under President Warren G. Harding from 1921 to 1923 and was governor of Massachusetts from 1919 to 1921.
President Coolidge made a keynote address at Bok Gardens (then known as Mountain Lake Sanctuary) in February 1929. The engagement was one of Coolidge's final public appearances before leaving office in March.
"President Coolidge believed that places like Bok Tower Gardens help people connect with beauty and reflect on what makes our country special," Florida
Gov. DeSantis was also joined by members of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation at the unveiling.
"The state of Florida's decision to showcase Coolidge and his values is an example for the nation," Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation Chair Amity Shlaes said. “In these challenging times, the Coolidge values of thrift, respect for enterprise, and government restraint are more important than ever. Floridians, and all Americans across the land, will now come to Bok Tower Gardens to visit the statue and study Coolidge."
Gov. DeSantis has also dedicated other statutes as part of America 250, including President James Monroe and President Thomas Jefferson.
