Statue of John V. Power facts for kids
John V. Power statue (2020)
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 42°15′44″N 71°48′7.5″W / 42.26222°N 71.802083°W |
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| Location | Worcester City Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Designer | Aristide Berto Cianfarani |
| Builder | Gorham Brothers Foundry |
| Material | Bronze Granite (pedestal) |
| Height | 16 feet (4.9 m) |
| Dedicated to | John V. Power |
The John V. Power statue is a special monument in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. It was put up in 1947 to honor John V. Power. He was a brave Marine from Worcester who sadly died while fighting in World War II. Because of his amazing courage, he was given the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery. You can find the statue near Worcester City Hall. It is one of many memorials in the city that remember heroes from wars.
Contents
Who Was John V. Power?
A Young Man's Journey
John V. Power was born on November 20, 1918. He grew up in Worcester and later went to the College of the Holy Cross there. When World War II started, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps in 1942. He wanted to help his country during this important time.
A Hero's Actions in World War II
In 1944, John V. Power, who was a first lieutenant, was sent to the South Pacific. He was part of a big attack on Namur Island in the Marshall Islands. On February 1, 1944, during a battle called the Battle of Kwajalein, he was killed while bravely fighting.
For his incredible actions during this battle, he was given the Medal of Honor after he died. The President at the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt, gave the medal to John's family at the White House in November 1944. John V. Power is one of only a few people from Worcester to receive this very special award.
The Statue's Story
Remembering a Hero
The John V. Power statue was officially revealed on January 1, 1947. A talented artist named Aristide Berto Cianfarani created the statue. It was made at the Gorham Brothers Foundry. This statue helps everyone remember John V. Power's bravery and sacrifice.
Keeping the Memorial Strong
In 2016, the monument was carefully cleaned and fixed up. Workers polished the bronze statue and its plaque. They also repaired the granite base to make sure it would last for many more years. This restoration cost about $10,000.
The statue was celebrated again on November 10, 2016. This date was special because it was the United States Marine Corps birthday and also the day before Veterans Day. Many people spoke at the event, and John V. Power's family placed a wreath at the statue to honor him.
What the Statue Looks Like
The monument has two main parts. There is a tall granite base that is about 8 feet (2.4 meters) high. On the front of this base, there is a bronze plaque. This plaque tells the story of John V. Power's brave actions during the war and even has President Roosevelt's signature.
On top of the granite base stands an 8-foot (2.4 meters) tall bronze statue of John V. Power himself. He is shown holding a rifle over his shoulder and has one hand on his hip. The statue is located on the south side of City Hall, on Franklin Street, and it faces towards Holy Cross, where he went to college.
