World War I monument dedication delayed

A World War I monument restored over the winter was not presented to the public on July 4 as the Hanna Basin Historical Society (HBHS) board had hoped. About two weeks ago, the HBHS board decided, with all the construction around the monument, it was not a good time to try and have a re-dedication ceremony.

The monument sits on a site which has been temporarily taken over by C. J. Mahan Construction Company (Mahan) for cement production. The company is contracted by AML (Abandoned Mine Lands) to fill the tunnels created by Hanna's past mining history. For the future of the town to be safe, this work needs to be done. 

Mark Hutchins, Hanna project manager for Mahan, had not been aware of the HBHS board's desire to have the re-dedication ceremony on July 4 until this week. He was sorry to hear the ceremony got canceled although he understood the reasoning.

"If we had been aware, we would have looked at some accommodations that we could have done," Hutchins said. "We certainly understand the backdrop where the monument sits is not what a ceremony as important as this would be desired."

Hutchins said he understands the monument is important not only to the town, but also service members who have fought to keep the nation free. 

"The monument is extremely important and there is no downplaying that," Hutchins said. "But sadly the timing to get this town fixed during the summer ended up causing this situation."

Hutchins said when Mahan leaves, the site where the monument is located will look good.

"We will talk with the museum as we depart, if there is anything we can help with to make the monument better," Hutchins said. "We know this is a very important part of history for everybody."

Not only were HBHS board members and town of Hanna looking forward to the rededication, but also one of Wyoming's senators.

Senator Cynthia Lummis had sent a message to HBHS just before the board decided it was best to cancel the ceremony.

"Dear friends, thank you to all those involved who are working to restore this monument to its original glory. It means a great deal to the descendants of those who served in World War I and for those who serve today," Lummis said. "It is critical that we do not forget those who served our nation in World War I. These names (on the plaque) represent 114 members of the Hanna community who answered the call to serve and defend freedom across Europe, including many who did not make it back."

Lummis also mentioned when the monument was vandalized. 

The monument was vandalized in the summer of 2015 when the bronze plaque was taken off the stone monument. The plaque, which was dedicated to all those that served in the region during World War I, was found later that year.

"It is heartbreaking that this plaque was at one point stolen. These doughboys fought in the trenches and deserve to have their memory preserved," Lummis said. "I am thankful that the plaque was recovered and I look forward to seeing it where it belongs."

The monument was originally dedicated on July 4, 1920 and HBHS would like to have the re-dedication be on a July 4, although a firm date has not been decided. 

Mahon wants to be done as quickly as possible according to Hutchins, so the former mining town can return to normal. Unless something completely unforeseen happens, the construction company would be gone by next July 4.

The World War I monument, in addition to having a plaque of names who served in the war, also had a time capsule placed inside.

The box's contents did show damage when it was retrieved. The time capsule was actually an old cigar box

HBHS has bought a new steel tube to put back into the monument that will take the contents from the old time capsule and also include some items from the present. The idea is that this time capsule will be opened in another 100 years.

Given the long term picture, waiting a little longer to do a proper ceremony with no construction project in the background is the best move by the HBHS.

In her letter, Lummis concluded, "Thank you for keeping their memory alive."

According to Hanna Basin Museum Director, Sunshine Solaas, that is exactly what the HBHS is planning to do, whether it had been this July 4, or if it will be July 4 2022.