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Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina
Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina
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Source:  Duplin County Veterans Howitzer, Warsaw. Photo courtesy of Natasha Smith

  • Monument Name

    Duplin County Veterans Howitzer , Warsaw

  • Type

    Weaponry

  • Subjects

    Veterans of Multiple Wars

  • City

    Warsaw

  • County

    Duplin

  • Description

    This M114 155mm howitzer is located at the I-40 rest stop in Warsaw, NC. The World War II-era artillery piece is surrounded by a low chain fence and beside it sits a marker explaining the monument's significance. This howitzer was placed here in memorial of all veterans of the United States military. The granite marker is inscribed with the text below as well as the seals of the five branches of the U.S. armed services and that of the American Legion.

    Images: Granite marker | Front view | Barrel

  • Inscription

    Marker: WARSAW, N.C. IS HOME TO THE OLDEST CONTINUOUS VETERANS / DAY CELEBRATION IN AMERICA, FIRST HELD NOVEMBER 11, 1921 / THIS WWII 155mm HOWITZER IS PLACED IN HONOR OF ALL / VETERANS WHO SACRIFICED FOR OUR FREEDOM / ERECTED IN REMEMBRANCE BY DUPLIN COUNTY / AMERICAN LEGION AND FRIENDS

    Barrel: USA004823

  • Custodian

    North Carolina Department of Transportation

  • Dedication Date

    1990s

  • Decade

    1990s

  • Geographic Coordinates

    34.990070 , -78.132770 View in Geobrowsemap pin

  • Supporting Sources

      "155mm howitzer-I-40 Reststop North Carolina," Waymarking.com, (accessed February 25, 2014). Link

      "North Carolina Rest Area System," North Carolina Department of Transportation, (accessed May 31, 2014). Link

      "Warsaw Veterans Day Celebration and Parade 2014," Town of Warsaw, NC, (accessed February 24, 2014). Link

      Vance, Tricia. “Area posts to mark Veterans Day,” Star-News, November 8, 1997.

  • Public Site

    Yes

  • Materials & Techniques

    Steel Artillery Piece, Granite Marker

  • Sponsors

    Duplin County American Legion & Friends

  • Subject Notes

    Warsaw, NC is home to the oldest, continuous Veterans Day celebration with its first celebration being held on November 11, 1921. It is held every year to commemorate those who serve in the United States military.

  • Location

    The howitzer is located in the center of the Milepost 346 rest area on I-40 in the median between the interstate's eastbound and westbound lanes, near the town of Warsaw.

    A "Blue Star Highway" marker is located on the other side of the Milepost 346 rest area.
    Both sides of the marker read: BLUE STAR / MEMORIAL HIGHWAY / A tribute to the Armed Forces / that have defended the / United States of America / SPONSORED BY / The Garden Club of North Carolina, Inc. / IN COOPERATION WITH / The North Carolina / Department of Transportation
    Images: Blue Star Memorial Highway marker (facing the rest area) | Blue Star Memorial Highway marker

  • Landscape

    The howitzer is marked with a plaque, noting the history of Warsaw's Veterans Day celebrations and the howitzer memorial. A low fence blocks the howitzer from being touched by visitors.

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