Photos provided by Michael Ellis, Director, Hobart Parks & Recreation Department.
HOBART, INDIANA
N 41° 31.645 / W 087° 15.123
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260028.
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260028.
In impressively landscaped small triangular park bounded by Seventh, Lincoln and Main Streets.
The plaque inscription on the front of the base reads:
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
1917-1918 1941-1945
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR WAR DEAD(followed by four columns of names – 5 from World War I and 42 from World War II)
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
ERECTED BY
HOBART POST 54 AMERICAN LEGION
A plaque inscription on the Doughboy’s left side reads (under eagle):
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FREEDOM FALLS ON ALL FREE MEN
(followed by three columns of names)
The left column contains 10 names headed by:
KOREA
1950 - 1955
The other two columns contain 37 names headed by:
VIETNAM
1964-1975
And at the bottom:
DEDICATED JULY 4, 1984
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
1917-1918 1941-1945
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR WAR DEAD(followed by four columns of names – 5 from World War I and 42 from World War II)
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
ERECTED BY
HOBART POST 54 AMERICAN LEGION
A plaque inscription on the Doughboy’s left side reads (under eagle):
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FREEDOM FALLS ON ALL FREE MEN
(followed by three columns of names)
The left column contains 10 names headed by:
KOREA
1950 - 1955
The other two columns contain 37 names headed by:
VIETNAM
1964-1975
And at the bottom:
DEDICATED JULY 4, 1984
Originally dedicated November 11, 1925, at the site of local patriotic observances. The front plaque was placed after World War II since it lists the names from that war. It is not known if there was an earlier plaque. The Doughboy has always been well-maintained, and was restored and refurbished in May 2001 (the rifle is missing the sling, however). The area in which it stands was also redesigned and landscaped at that time, primarily by volunteers and the efforts of Post 54 and member Gerry Kegelbein. The landscape redesign included the laying of paver bricks engraved with the names of veterans in the area near the Doughboy, and the tall flagpole, visible in the photograph on the right, was installed on an identical, but smaller base. The statue was also repainted, and in 2002 a rededication ceremony was held.
