Denison celebrates new silo mural; mayor honors retired Rear Admiral William A. Ritz

Denison — The Denison City Council on Tuesday celebrated the completion of a privately funded mural on the prominent Denison Silo and presented a proclamation recognizing retired Rear Admiral William A. Ritz for decades of military and local civic service.

Mayor Robert Crowley said the mural — nicknamed Rosie — was conceived by a community task force and funded entirely by private foundations and individuals, not the city. The council read a proclamation citing Ritz’s military decorations and long record of volunteer service with local organizations.

Ritz, who accepted the acknowledgment, credited Tony Cai and other volunteers for leading the mural effort. "It shows the past and what we've done, shows the present ... and the future," he said, describing the artwork as a symbol of the community and its youth.

The mural memorializes the Battle of the Axe rivalry and will be visible from downtown and Munson Stadium as the city heads into the football season. The council encouraged residents to view the work and congratulated the task force members who coordinated fundraising and installation.

The proclamation and recognition were ceremonial and required no council action beyond presentation.