War Memorial Shines Again in Hannibal

Eight shiny cast-aluminum plaques bearing the names of over 5,000 WWI and WWII veterans have returned home to Hannibal’s Central Park. A large crowd packed the park Tuesday evening to view the unveiling of the newly renovated War Memorial.

The memorial honoring Northeast Missouri war veterans was dedicated in 1962. Over time, the names had begun to fade. The campaign to restore it began in November, 2017.

Andy Dorian and Mary Lynne Richards of Hannibal Parks and Recreation spearheaded the project, which involved removing and refurbishing the plaques as well as sandblasting and repainting the structure. Hannibal Monument Co. was awarded the bid for plaque restoration. Tri-State Sandblasting donated sandblasting services.

Dorian says no city funds were spent on the renovation. A total of $12,510 was raised, entirely from private donors.

Dorian also shared plans for a new memorial honoring anyone who served in any branch of the military, whether in war or peacetime. The memorial will be located in scenic Cardiff Hill Park near the old bridge approach.

The new memorial will center around the USS Hannibal Bell. Memorial bricks inscribed with any veteran’s name, living or dead, may be purchased for $125. The campaign goal for the new project is $60,000.