Defenders of Freedom Mural - Metropolis, Illinois
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 37° 09.140 W 088° 43.941
16S E 346163 N 4113176
Mural depicting military events where citizens of Metropolis play a significant role. Mural is located across the street from the Massac County Courthouse in Metropolis.
Waymark Code: WM6C0G
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 05/11/2009
Views: 14
Text of plaque next to mural:
It was a parachute plunge heard around the world when our own "Man of Steele", John Marvin Steel, hung on a steeple in the St. Mere Eglise Church in France. It was D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the warning bells clanged and deafened him, he had no idea he would someday be portrayed in the movie "The Longest Day" as a symbol of those who gave their all in World War II. Shot and captured by the Germans, he escaped to serve again and is buried at the Masonic Cemetery on North Avenue, here in Metropolis. Always grateful, to this day the citizens of St. Mere Eglise have kept a parachute and effigy of him hanging on the church for all to see and to remember.
Preceding those in valor were Metropolis's own famous African American men of Company M, 18th Regiment of the State of Illinois, nationally recognized for there great fighting ability in World War I.
Looking at the 'WACS and Waves' and the sysbols of all our Nations' branches of service reminds us of thos who have served in great moments of history and of those who still serve today, to allow us to stand here to enjoy the good life of freedom with our loved ones.
Artists: Lady Van Tiger, Colleen Pell Thompson and Kris Millman