Ernie Pyle statue unveiling set for Nov. 11

The Friends of Ernie Pyle invites the public to attend the unveiling of the bronze statue of World War II’s

preeminent correspondent. The statue was created by Clinton sculptor Bill Wolfe.

The presentation of the statue will be at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The statue will be erected just

north of Pyle’s birthplace on the grounds of the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana.

The date is appropriate since Pyle will forever be associated with American troops – not only for his

coverage of the average soldier, sailor and marine, but as the successful advocate for combat pay. His

efforts led to Congress’ passage of The Ernie Pyle Bill in 1944, which established the policy of paying

troops in combat zones an extra amount. That policy continues today.

The ceremony will include music, a military honor guard and government representatives. Wolfe will

personally reveal his artistic rendition of Pyle.

“The Friends of Ernie Pyle is excited to dedicate this statue on Veterans Day,” said Steve Key, president of

the organization that operates the Dana museum. “Ernie’s statue marks the first phase of our effort to create

the Ernie Pyle & Veterans Memorial Park.”

When the park is completed, it will include a covered outdoor stage for museum and community events.

The park project also will have permanent ADA-accessible restrooms, a healing garden of Indiana-native

plants, a display of flags representing all branches of the Armed Forces, and an educational WWII Victory

Garden.

“Pyle deserves to have his legacy preserved,” Key said. “He served as an invaluable link between

American families on the home front and their relatives stationed thousands of miles away from home

and literally scattered across the world. Ernie covered the war from the view of a foxhole – telling stories

of common people caught up in uncommon times.”

The Friends of Ernie Pyle is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Pyle – a son of

Dana who wrote of war, but never glorified it. His story-telling skills earned him the Pulitzer Prize in 1944.

The museum is located at 120 Briarwood Ave. in Dana. There is no admission to tour the museum

thanks to a contract with the Helt Township Board of Trustees. Days of operation are limited, but the

Friends will make every effort to accommodate visitors who reach out in advance for a tour. The museum’s

website is erniepyle.org.