David Lowe poses with Post 339’s eagle statuary

Post 339 gives statuary to Veterans Association

David Lowe and members of the Hopewell American Legion recently donated their eagle statuary to the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association, to use at the veterans memorial site located at Alliger Tract on Washington Crossing-Pennington Road.

Mr. Lowe and members of Post 339 are supporting the Hopewell Veterans Association’s efforts to construct a permanent memorial honoring local veterans. “Everyone is enthusiastic about it. All municipalities around us are building their own veteran parks, and I think that it is great that Hopewell Valley is getting in on this project. It will be great for the community when it is done,” said Mr. Lowe.

As former Finance Officer for Post 339, David Lowe supervised the construction of the Legion’s building on Van Dyke Road in Hopewell. Lowe discovered an eagle sculpture at the Johnson Atelier Clifton F. Sheely Company and instantly felt that the structure would make a beautiful centerpiece at the Legion’s grounds. Joseph M. Bowker & Son created a twelve foot granite monument that has sustained the eagle statuary.

This bronze sculpture, with a wingspan of approximately four feet, has been a focal point at the Legion for years. “It is very symbolic to have an eagle on top of a monument for a veterans group. People question where it has come from many times,” explained Mr. Lowe.

Since it’s inception in 1946, Post 339 has honored all veterans while also supporting community programs. The Legion has sponsored local athletic teams, carnivals, scholarships, and charity raffles.

Members of Post 339 plan to sell the organization’s building and grounds because of declining membership and rising costs. “It sort of breaks my heart to see us leave, but with the cost of everything, there is no way for us to continue there… Every year we lose 4 to 12 members that pass away. We were up to 409 members at one time and now we are at about 209,” said Lowe. The Legion will continue to have meetings in Hopewell at public locations and still sponsor social and community events.

When asked how Hopewell Valley citizens can support the American Legion and honor veterans, Mr. Lowe stated that he hopes citizens will become involved in future community events and programs sponsored by Post 339 and the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association.

“When the Veterans Association has affairs at the memorial park, come out and see them. The site is very impressive and makes you stop and think about what men and women from our area went through.”

Plans are underway to transport the eagle statuary to the memorial site where it will serve as a tribute to the community and to all men and women who have served our country.