When the widow of late Governor Edwin Edwards stated she wanted the former-four term governor to have his final resting place near Huey Long at the State Capitol, it brought to light proposed legislation that’s in the works to allow other former governors to be buried at the capitol. Monroe Representative Michael Echols said he began preparing his bill about six months ago.
“To potentially allow for future governors, or even past governors if they wanted to be relocated to a site somewhere around the campus,” said Echols.
Echols, who walks the capitol grounds frequently, said they are ideal to honor former state leaders. Suitable grounds and the recent passing of several former governors also inspired the legislation.
“Governor Blanco, Governor Foster and to honor that legacy and the history and to allow that opportunity, if the families or the governors chose to want to be buried on the grounds to give them that opportunity,” said Echols.
As for how Long’s remains were permitted to be buried on the grounds, Echols said it was a resolution that was passed hours after the Kingfish died. But he wants the burial of governors on the capitol grounds to become a permanent option.
Echols plans to submit his bill in the 2022 regular legislative session that’s scheduled to begin March 14th and he welcomes input from state historians and others, so the memorial is done properly.
“Some of the things that are important though because the site and the capitol is a historic property is to ensure we meet archeological standards, historic preservation standards, and all the other things that I think would be appropriate,” said Echols.
Trina Edwards recently had her husband’s remains exhumed and cremated and said she’d like to inter his ashes at the capitol grounds.
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