On Monday, August 16 from 1 to 2 p.m., the Wright Museum will host a dedication ceremony to commemorate the completion of a walkway that leads from the museum entrance to its Remembrance Garden. The completed walkway was made possible by a donation from Sandown, NH resident Dan Marrone, whose affinity for the museum underscores his appreciation for all those who served in WWII, including his father Daniel Marrone, who served in General Patton’s Third Army.
“My father was part of a crew that fired the Army’s largest cannon—the 155mm ‘Long Tom,’” explained Marrone, who said it had an 18-mile range and had 90 pound shells. He said his father was always proud of the fact that his unit spent “343 consecutive days of mud, snow and blood in the field without relief.” “But they got the job done,” he added.
Expressing appreciation for Marrone’s continued commitment to the museum, Executive Director Mike Culver said the ceremony was rescheduled from last year due to the pandemic. “We are all very thankful we are able to host this special ceremony and honor all those who have served,” he said.
Facing Center Street, the Remembrance Garden is framed by shrubbery, flags and the exterior wall of the museum upon which hundreds of memorial bricks are affixed. In addition to Marrone, prior supporters of the Remembrance Garden include Meredith Village Savings Bank, Northeast Delta Dental, and John Warner.
In the event of rain, the dedication ceremony will take place inside the new DuQuoin Education Center, which features ample seating and space.
The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, The Wright features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representative of both the home front and battle field.
