Doughboy statue to be rededicated for Memorial Day

May 23, 2003 — Source: Naperville Sun, The (IL)

They say history repeats itself, and this weekend is no exception.

"The Spirit of the American Doughboy," first dedicated on Memorial Day in 1926, will be rededicated at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

The statue, by Indiana sculptor E.M. Viquesney, was taken down from its pedestal in November and sent to Detroit for repairs. It was returned to Burlington Square Park earlier this month.

The rededication ceremony will include a performance by the Naperville Municipal Band, readings from Naperville North High School students and a presentation of the colors by American Legion Post 43 and Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.

Several community organizations, including the Jaycees and Century Walk, contributed thousands of dollars to the statue's restoration and to renovations made at Burlington Square Park, near the downtown Metra station.

Local residents and veterans groups also contributed to the project through donations of all sizes.

The bronze statue depicts a World War I-era soldier holding a rifle in one hand. Since its dedication, the statue's left hand and the rifle it held had been broken off.

Copies of "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," which was copyrighted in 1920 and again in 1934, stand in more than 100 towns across the country, according to research done by a retired Spencer, Ind., newspaper editor. Spencer is Viquesney's hometown.
     

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