World War II Memorial

A tribute to Marion veterans, the ornate WW II monument at the Marion Cemetery is currently one of the largest memorials to WWII Veterans of its kind outside Washington DC. A canopy of red oak trees line both sides of the narrowing walkway up to the Plaza of Heroes. This spacious section is bedecked with six flagpoles and eight black granite benches where visitors may sit to relax. Each flagpole represents one year of the war. Black granite side panels are adorned on the outer sides of the memorial with the symbols of the five branches of the Armed Services.

 The one element that directly links the present to the past is the historic eagle that stands guard atop the pillar.

The gilded bronze eagle was cast in 1945. It originally presided over the WWII Honor Roll at the Marion County Courthouse. When the wooden Honor Roll deteriorated, both were taken down in 1970 and placed in storage. The eagle was later donated to the Marion County Historical Society, which graciously donated it back so it could again land in its rightful place in Marion County history.

A total of 5,896 names of Marion County service members were carved into the moment. Men and women are listed in alphabetical order. Stars indicate those who died while serving.  More names have been added as additional records were discovered.