Over the years, the Friends of Ernie Pyle have continued to develop new ways to honor the famed WWII correspondent and the soldiers he wrote about.
The home where Pyle was born was saved from demolition by the FEP and moved to downtown Dana in the 1970s where it was designated as an Indiana State historic site. In 2022, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home shows visitors from across the country what daily life was like for Pyle’s generation.
The museum next door was operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources until 2009 when it was closed due to financial cutbacks. The FEP stepped in the following year and re-opened the museum through a special arrangement with the state. Through the years, the museum has continued to provide invaluable educational experiences and serve as an archive for important historical artifacts chronicling Pyle’s life and “The Greatest Generation.”
Now, the FEP is aiming to again expand its efforts with the Ernie Pyle & Veterans Memorial Park on the land adjacent to the house and museum in Dana.
The FEP Development Fund’s vision for the park is to further promote awareness about Pyle and his contributions, honor veterans and our shared history, enhance visitors’ experience to the museum and provide a gathering space for the community.
“The proposed park ties the legacy of Ernie Pyle and generations of veterans together in a project that honors both and serves to enhance the quality of life in Vermillion County and surrounding communities,” said FEP President Steve Key.
Input from the public on the plan was sought at the annual FEP meeting in August 2023. Attendees were able to view a preliminary design concept for the park done by Indianapolis-based Land Stewards Design Group. Its plans for the park include the construction of an event pavilion, a performance stage, a healing garden, a Victory Garden exhibit and a bronze statue of Pyle.
Artist Bill Wolfe, from the neighboring town of Clinton, was commissioned to do the statue that features Pyle sitting next to his typewriter.
The performance stage will be a place for educational speakers and musical guests and also a location for the community to gather for events like the annual Firefighters Festival. In addition, it would be available to reserve for family events like weddings and reunions.
“The proposed park ties the legacy of Ernie Pyle and generations of veterans together in a project that honors both and serves to enhance the quality of life in Vermillion County and surrounding communities.”
— Steve Key, Friends of Ernie Pyle president
“The components of the park not only makes the museum experience better for visitors, but adds a community gathering place for local organizations and residents,” Key said.
The price tag for the project is estimated to be more than $1 million and the board has launched a nation-wide fundraising campaign.
Individuals, groups and businesses can donate time, in-kind services, materials or money.
Financial contributions come in many levels from Private at $25-99 to Five-Star General at $25,000 and higher.
The project is set to unfold in four stages: Phase one and two include, among other things, the sculpture and memorial plaza; phases three and four include the event pavilion, performance stage and more.
“The Ernie Pyle and Veterans Memorial Park will offer healing and inspiration, education and solitude,” said Becky Holbert who co-chairs the park committee with fellow FEP board member Roxann Scott.
“It will be a place to gather, remember and celebrate our nation’s heroes as Pyle would have wanted,” Holbert said.
