When Butler City Council was presented last month with the idea of erecting a statue of Gen. Richard Butler at the southern entrance to the city, the idea was generally well received.But a letter to the editor published in the Butler Eagle last weekend offered an alternative idea — a statue of a jeep.

The proposal to erect a monument to the jeep has not received any official support yet, but the idea deserves consideration and further debate across the community.

Letter writer Arthur Urban of Butler Township correctly pointed out that the jeep has become an American icon. Its role in World War II and other conflicts is well-documented. The civilian version of the jeep still reveals its roots and has remained a popular vehicle for decades, with a legion of dedicated fans nationwide.

And the story of the invention of the jeep by a small group of engineers from the American Bantam Car Co. is a classic American story of ingenuity and determination prevailing against long odds and much-larger competitors.

Of all the stories from Butler's rich historical past, the creation of the jeep is perhaps the most remarkable, and reminders of that story are seen on the nation's roads every day.

Traditional history buffs might argue for the statue of Gen. Butler as a way to honor the city and county's namesake and to possibly encourage more people to learn about, and appreciate, his accomplishments, and those of his four brothers, during the Revolutionary War and afterward. Statues of military men are common; statues of cars are not.

But many more people would likely express interest in a monument to the first jeep.

Though there would be many design decisions to make regarding a statue commemorating the creation of the first jeep, the inclusion of one or two of the creators as if giving a final check of their prototype before it was driven to the Army's testing ground in Maryland in 1940 might help spark more interest in the story of the jeep's creation. And that interest could lead to increased visitor traffic at the heritage center.

Urban's letter suggests that heightened awareness of the jeep's heritage in Butler could even lead to a regional or national jeep convention coming to the community.

The idea of a statue marking the creation of the first jeep does not mean that a statue of Gen. Butler must be discarded. There are several possible venues for each. But if a jeep project is undertaken, the south end of the new Main Street bridge seems an ideal, high-profile location.

But, Urban's letter correctly outlines the many arguments in favor of a statue or monument to the jeep. It's an idea worthy of city council discussion and something for city and county residents to consider.