Beautification efforts continue with return of World War II M1 57 MM Anti-Tank Gun
The Yoakum American Legion, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Yoakum invite you to join them in the rededication ceremony for the World War II cannon to be located in triangle between Huck St. and Business 77A (between the Yoakum Community Center (YCC) and Yoakum Police Department (YPD)). The Legion was offering to fund the renovation of the cannon. LCRA offered their expertise, equipment, and labor to rehabilitating the cannon. With technical support from the United States Army 10th Mountain Division (LI) Fort Drum N.Y., LCRA technicians were able to bring new life to the historic artifact of Yoakum’s history
The monumental M1 57 MM Anti-Tank Gun was purchased by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 2456 somewhere between 1951 and 1952 and in December of the year 2000, the members of that VFW Post voted to officially release the monument into the care of the City of Yoakum. The anti-tank gun (cannon) has held guard over the city for a great number of years. Going through one renovation in 2001, it was time for the cannon to receive another facelift. City staff attempted to locate an area contractor for the rehabilitation project. Unfortunately, local area providers were unable to accommodate. A chance conversation at an LCRA annual meeting held in November of 2023 provided an unexpected avenue to assist with the project. LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson expressed an interest in providing the service needed to beautify the cannon. LCRA personnel met with city staff to survey the project Dec. 4, 2023 and in January 2024, a large crew of LCRA employees arrived with a boom-truck and flatbed trailer to begin the renovations, taking the item to multiple locations for sandblasting, metal repair, and powder coating. The experienced crew took the gun apart, found all of the necessary items to repair to bring the anti-tank gun back to near original condition.
The Legion committed to preparing the sight for the cannon installation with a 16’x18’ concrete slab as the cannon’s new resting place, in an effort to protect, preserve, and display the historic monument. All hope to honor our military, current and past for their great service in protecting our freedoms. The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Cannon Park located between the YCC and the YPD. Citizens, businesses, and civic organizations are being invited to participate in the program. A special invitation is extended to all military veterans, current military personnel, and family members.