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Two 20-millimeter anti-aircraft cannons installed in front of the VFW post
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN
It’s likely that anyone who drives past or visits American Legion Post 472 will notice a dramatic alteration to the front of the building.
“I’m very pleased with my guys and the work they’ve done here. Everybody’s willing to help, and takes pride in their legion,” said Will Midkiff of Canfield, referring to Saturday’s installation of two 20 mm anti-aircraft cannons in front of the post, 323 E. Indianola Ave., on the South Side.
About a week earlier, Midkiff, Post 472’s commander, supervised a cleanup at the 2-year-old American Legion hall, which has close to 200 members. The project included digging two 30-inch holes and adding concrete pads to each for the weapons.
Midkiff noted that the cannons, each of which weighs about 600 pounds, likely are from a World War I or a World War II battleship. Efforts are underway to trace their serial numbers to better determine their origin, he continued.
If the effort succeeds, the battleship’s name and number will go on the weapons’ protective plates. If the research is unsuccessful, however, Post 472’s logo could be placed on the two cannons, Midkiff said, noting that they are on loan from the Navy, which owns both of them.
Before installing the large, gray guns, Midkiff had taken four or five days to sand-blast, prime and paint them. That included adding about 15 coats of primer, then commercial-grade paint, he recalled.
“I don’t anticipate them rusting anytime soon,” he said.
Each weapon sits at a 45-degree angle to the post, with the American flag in the middle, to give the impression that they are protecting the building and neighborhood, Midkiff explained.
They also stand as a symbolic gesture of appreciation to those who have served and continue to serve their country, along with police and firefighters who protect their communities, he noted.
“I hope people will install a little more pride in America and be a little more patriotic,” Midkiff said. “This will help bring up pride in our service personnel and our community.”
American Legion Post 472 also is hosting a steak fry from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the post. Cost is $13 per person.