The first, the diamond, the blue hen and the remembered

For a small state, Delaware has a number of nicknames – and a number of war memorials and monuments on The American Legion’s memorial database.

Seaford Veterans Monument, Seaford: “One of the original veterans memorials, located in the Odd Fellows Cemetery …. Features a large granite cross with a lighted flag. On Memorial Day, Nanticoke Post 6 decorates the graves of veterans in this cemetery and others in Seaford.”

Delaware Merci Train Boxcar, Seaford: “The Delaware car from the 1949 ‘Merci Train’ - a gift from France in gratitude to America for all the help and supplies sent to France during and following the Great Wars. Was abandoned, found by members of the Nanticoke Post 6 American Legion and moved to the front lawn of the Post 6 log cabin in the 1950s.”

Fallen Heroes Memorial Garden, Lewes: “a memorial plaque honoring all who have and continue to lose their lives in the line of duty while serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.” An Eagle Scout project, installed in 2015.

American Legion 1st Ambulance Service in the World 1924, Smyrna: a plaque on a brick column, commemorating David C. Harrison Post 14’s community ambulance service, established in 1924 and still going strong today.