We went down to Mason, Illinois today to attend the re-dedication of a statue first erected in 1903 to honor those from Mason that fought in the Civil War.  The statue had not stood the test of time too well.  According to Delanie Donaldson, Effingham's knowledgeable local historian, the statue was worn down and was leaning severely to the point that residents were worried about it toppling over. 

Local residents with help from the local VFW came together and were able to raise money in order to get the statue refurbished.  Today was what Memorial Day is all about by remembering those that fought and died so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have. 

We saw the redone statue today and I have to say it was beautiful.  It was also beautiful to see how much pride the residents of Mason have in their town and their history.  Interstates and changing economies helped diminish Mason from what it once was, but to the people that live there, Mason is very important to them.  I only wish our Effingham County Board would see the value of local history and move forward with helping Delanie Donaldson turn the Old Courthouse (the one where we held our last 2 Tea Parties) into a local history museum.