King Neptune, the Navy mascot pig
N 37° 27.943 W 089° 07.950
16S E 311410 N 4148673
A memorial to a Navy mascot pig used to promote buying war bonds to support US troops and sailors during World War 2 is found in front of the Northbound Trail of Tears Rest Stop on I-57 after crossing the state boundary from Missouri into Illinois.
Waymark Code: WM12MCW
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 06/14/2020
Views: 3
A bronze plaque on a short concrete base is near a Blue Star Highway Memorial marker in the plaza area in front of the Illinois Northbound I-57 Rest Stop. From the passenger car parking area, climb the stairs to the plaza area of the Rest Area. On the end opposite the Rest Area building, this memorial is next to the flower bed and next to the sidewalk, behind the Blue Star Highway Memorial marker. The plaque gives facts about the mascot pig, the people involved in using the pig as a fund raiser, and the huge amount of financial support to the war effort the donation made during World War 2. The plaque reads as follows:
"Memorial
King Neptune
1942 - 1950
Navy Mascot Pig
Raised by Patty Boner, West Frankfort;
Given to Navy Recruiter Don Lingle, Anna;
and auctioned by L Oard Sitter, Anna.
Around the State of Illinois for
over $19,000,000 in WW II War Bonds."
According to Wikipedia, this monument is the replacement for the original marker that was heavily vandalized and subsequently this new marker was added to this Rest Area.
Link to Wikipedia details of King Neptune, the Navy Mascot Pig:
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