Good News for Hannibal War Memorial

The Hannibal area is very supportive of veterans’ causes, as proven by the outpouring of support for the War Memorial restoration in Central Park. Parks and Rec Director Andy Dorian told the council Tuesday evening a total of $13,000 has been received.  Time and the elements have eroded the thousands of soldiers’ names from Marion County inscribed on the memorial.

The council voted to accept the low bid of $9100 from Hannibal Monument Company to replace the markers. Dorian says Mike Bush of Tri-State Sandblasting has volunteered his services to sandblast the wooden structure after the plaques have been removed.  Once that is complete, the structure will be repainted.  Dorian says any money left over will be used for ongoing maintenance.

The exact completion date for the project is not known, but estimated to be finished sometime during the summer.  Dorian says a celebration is planned to honor the contributors when the restoration is complete.

A second memorial to honor all veterans is planned as part of the riverfront renovation project.  Andy Dorian says even though fundraising for the second memorial has yet to be advertised, donations have already been received.  The riverfront project will feature memorial bricks with veterans’ names.