A statue of Ohio native Thomas Edison has gone from the Statehouse to Congress. It was unveiled in Statutory Hall, where each state honors two well-known figures. The ceremony unveiling the statue featured House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Ohio's US Senators, Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH). Brown says Edison was a great choice for the state’s second statue, joining Ohio-born president James Garfield. “We’re a state of inventors and pioneers, of dreamers and creators," Brown said. "Thomas Edison lit the world. The Wright brothers vaulted us into the skies. John Glenn reached for the heavens. Neil Armstrong touched the stars.”
Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger traveled to Capitol Hill for the event. He said Edison is important not just for his inventions but because of his perseverance and determination. “He defined them by never giving up, working hard, but most importantly, that it was believing in oneself that never allowed him to fail," Rosenberger said. "Thomas Edison is reflective of the traditions and values that has built this country.”
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The Edison statue had been displayed at the Statehouse for about a year. In 2010, Ohio recalled its statue of former Gov. William Allen after his support of slavery came to light, and a statewide contest was opened to pick a replacement.