New old gun at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston

New old gun at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston
Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

When Lewiston-Auburn Veterans Council Chairman Paul Bernard heard that the naval air station in Brunswick was closing, he began to make phone calls, submit petitions and meet with several commanders of the base to inquire if they would be willing to donate a piece of naval equipment for the Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston. After being told yes, then no on several occasions, his dream was finally realized last Thursday when this 23,000 pound, 51mm gun was delivered to the park. The gun, from a WWI or WWII war ship, was formerly on the base next to the chapel. It is believed that it is from one of three ships: the USS Nevada, the USS Florida or the USS Olympia. The serial number has been painted over so many times that it will take some time to remove the paint to verify which vessel it came from. Presently, he is looking for volunteers to help restore the gun. To volunteer, contact him at laveteranscouncil@megalink.net.

New old gun at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston
Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

When Lewiston-Auburn Veterans Council Chairman Paul Bernard heard that the naval air station in Brunswick was closing, he began to make phone calls, submit petitions and meet with several commanders of the base to inquire if they would be willing to donate a piece of naval equipment for the Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston. After being told yes, then no on several occasions, his dream was finally realized last Thursday when this 23,000 pound, 51mm gun was delivered to the park. The gun, from a WWI or WWII war ship, was formerly on the base next to the chapel. It is believed that it is from one of three ships: the USS Nevada, the USS Florida or the USS Olympia. The serial number has been painted over so many times that it will take some time to remove the paint to verify which vessel it came from. Presently, he is looking for volunteers to help restore the gun. To volunteer, contact him at laveteranscouncil@megalink.net.

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Comments

Brain's picture

The quiet, peaceful respect of veterans is lost.....

Look at the picture. The smokestack, parking garage (that steel shell going up), and that big old ugly ass relic gun.

The gun is UGLY. I think its message is mostly phallic. There are not too many cities that put relic guns at the entrance to their city. The memorial park was nice and respectful - now it's becoming tacky - just like the cityscape around it. Let's not forget the Cowan mill ruins and Mill 5 lurking in the background.

The Veterans Memorial is becoming as tacky as the "Bates Mill Memorial Artwork Metal Sculpture" it replaced.

Are there any brains planning the look of this city? or just a bunch of ancient duffs with time on their hands

wingnut56's picture

USS Nevada

was sunk by the Japs in Pearl Harbor. Over 1000 Sailors were killed below her decks and are still inside her hulls. For one of it's massive guns to end up in Lewiston would be a story in itself. Great job getting this to Veterans Park Mr. Bernard! I'd like to find this tron clown. He'd make a nice picture with the end of this 51 mm gun stuck up his ying-yang! From a Navy Vet.

xyz's picture

What????

I think you must have been drinking when you wrote that, but then I expect "rewrites" of history from wingnuts, just another example to add to the growing list of LIES from the right. LOL.
Ps that looks like more than a 2 inch gun to me but I am only familiar with 105's and larger.

ajg1959's picture

I just hope that Tron

doesnt take too much of his medication one night and try to fire it.

sourdough's picture
verified

NEXT

Hay did you hear that someone from the council is looking for a old tank to ? And on top of all it is going on the Auburn side . how fun

tron's picture

not certain on its range, however

I'm pretty sure it could reach Auburn once restored. Once restored it only takes one pin head, or former city councilor.

Old Bill's picture

Well, tron, if the do get it

Well, tron, if the do get it in "working order" (as you are so afraid of them doing), I'm sure that YOU will be their first target.

tron's picture

And if you ever learn English,

we will all understand your posts. They should NOT restore this weapon, it's bad enough to have it on display.

newt's picture

Tron the most useful part of

Tron the most useful part of you oozed down your mothers dance poll

tron's picture

judge for yourself

"Presently, he is looking for volunteers to help restore the gun. "

LewistonNative...'s picture
verified

Yeah restore it by getting it

Yeah restore it by getting it so they can find the serial numbers to find out which ship it was on. Not restore it so it can be used. As for your comment you are truly something, aren't you from Auburn? Why don't you worry about what happens on that side of the river (which should keep you busy enough) and not Lewiston.

tron's picture

Yeah, just what we need

a working gun aimed at the Falls, or maybe they can use it on Bates Mill NO 5.

franklincop's picture

...

working gun? are you an idiot?

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