This story originally appeared in the Feb 8, 2006 edition of the Oscoda Press. There's been a lot of controversy through the years over the canoer's monument. Nearly every aspect — from its inspiration to who chose the location, to site ownership, to who built it — even its name has been debated. About the only issue not in contention is the respect, which canoe racers have, for the monument and the pride families experience when the name of a loved one is added to its bronze plaque.