Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial |
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| 30th Street Station Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States |
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| For the 1,307 PRR employees who died in World War II. | |
| Unveiled | August 10, 1952
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| Location | 39°57′21″N 75°10′57″W / 39.95583°N 75.18238°W |
| Designed by | Walker Hancock |
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"In memory of the men and women of the Pennsylvania Railroad who laid down their lives for our country 1941–1945."
"That all travelers here may remember those of the Pennsylvania Railroad who did not return from the Second World War." The memorial is also inscribed with the names of the 1,307 employees. |
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Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
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| Designated: | September 12, 2001 |
The Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial is a special monument. You can find it inside the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This memorial honors 1,307 employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad. These brave people died during World War II.
Contents
History of the Memorial
The main part of the monument is a huge bronze sculpture. It is 28 feet (8.53 meters) tall. The sculpture is called Angel of the Resurrection. It shows Michael the Archangel lifting a soldier's spirit. This scene represents the soldier rising from the "flames of war."
The sculpture stands on a black granite base. This base is 11 feet (3.35 meters) tall. It has two special messages carved into it. There are also four bronze plaques. These plaques list the names of all 1,307 employees. Their names are listed in alphabetical order.
Who Designed It?
The artist who designed and created this work was Walker Hancock. He lived from 1901 to 1998. Hancock was a sculpture teacher. He taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Walker Hancock also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was one of the "Monuments Men." This group worked to find and save art. They recovered art that the Nazis had stolen during the war.
Unique Design and Location
This monument has a very tall, upright design. This design was inspired by the tall columns in the station. These columns are called Corinthian columns. They are part of the concourse's east colonnade behind the monument.
The memorial looks especially amazing in the morning. Sunlight streams through the station's four-story windows. This light creates a silhouette of the sculpture. It makes the monument stand out beautifully. This memorial was Walker Hancock's most famous work. It was also his personal favorite.
When Was It Dedicated?
The memorial was officially opened on August 10, 1952. Army General Omar Bradley spoke at the ceremony. He was the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The monument was unveiled by Army Sergeant Robert E. Laws. Sergeant Laws worked at the Pennsylvania Railroad's Altoona Works. He was a sheet-metal worker. He also received the Medal of Honor. This award is for great bravery in combat. He earned it for his actions in the Philippines.
Inscriptions on the Memorial
The monument has two important messages carved into it. They read:
- IN MEMORY OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY 1941–1945.
- THAT ALL TRAVELERS HERE MAY REMEMBER THOSE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD WHO DID NOT RETURN FROM THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
Images for kids
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Main Concourse, 30th Street Station, looking east.
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Inscription on the front of the monument; another is on the back.
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The sculpture viewed from below.
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