Over There: Mechanicsville's Spirit of the American Doughboy Statute

The Spirit of the American Doughboy statue in Mechanicsville, Iowa is a favorite photo target of mine. Although I have posted other photos of the E.M. Viquesney sculpture previously, this time the corn is coming up in the fields during Memorial Day weekend. The WWI doughboy is one of several statues sold to communities following the Great War for use in cemeteries, parks and near municipal buildings.

Veterans Day 2012 - Spirit of the American Doughboy

Just off the Lincoln Highway in Mechanicsville, Iowa is a tribute to World War I American soldiers. Known as the "Spirit of the American Doughboy" the sculpture was designed by E.M. Viquesney and sold to cities throughout the 1920s and 30s. A detailed story of this design and history including its similarity to the Statue of Liberty can be read here.

Some 300 of these statues may still be found in cemeteries, parks or near government buildings throughout the country as a tribute to the American fighters of World War I. On this day with its genesis as Armistice Day, we remember all veterans and their contribution to American freedom and liberties.