By Jim Bloch
The Charles Hammond American Legion Post 8 in downtown Port Huron recently donated a patriotic painting to the city to display in the Municipal Office Center.
Post Commander Sean Culler made the donation to the city council at its regular meeting Dec. 11.
“I’m honored to be in attendance tonight to present this painting to be on display at the municipal building of the city of Port Huron,” said Culler, as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on the city’s website. “There is no doubt that our current landscape is polarized by emotions, thoughts and ideas. We all breathe the same air and bleed the same blood and ultimately we want what’s best for our community. This painting doesn’t just represent the 12,000 or so veterans here in St. Clair County, but collectively the veterans across the world and our communities.”
The painting, by David Ball, shows a crowd of civilians and soldiers, seen from behind, as they stand before a military cemetery lined with the white crosses of fallen soldiers. The 15 rows of crosses converge at the center of the canvas where a setting — or rising — sun colors the clouds yellow, orange and red against the blue sky. An American flag at stands at half-mast on the right side of the painting. The horizon line slopes from left to right, giving the painting a slight sense of imbalance in the face of so much death.
The painting is square, about 30-inches by 30-inches.
“The crosses represent the souls who have passed,” said Culler. “The background of the sunset or sunrise represents an infinite timeframe of what’s to come and positive events on the horizon. The group of people represents a diverse group from all walks of life and from all branches of the military and all communities. The flag at half-staff represents the mourning for those lost. The art can be seen as sad. But I see it as the opposite. I see it as a memorial and a place for the community. I see it as a representative of everyone within our city and everyone in this room tonight. The definition of community is people with common interests living in a particular area. On behalf of the Charles Hammond Post 8, I present this painting as a memorial to veterans, their family members and community members.”
“Thank you very much,” said Mayor Pauline Repp.
The audience and the council applauded. Council member Anita Ashford asked everyone to stand in honor of veterans.
The painting is now hanging in the lobby of city hall.
Hammond and the post
The Port Huron American Legion post was chartered June 18, 1919 and named for Hammond, who was killed in action July 31, 1918 in the Battle of the Marne at Chateau Tierry, a turning point in World War I. Hammond and his unit were ordered to take out a German machine gun nest, which they succeeded in doing. Hammond was shot twice, but continued to press ahead; his third wound cost him his life. He was buried near the battlefield. A German military satchel taken from the machine gun nest is in a display case at the post. Hammond received the Distinguished Service Cross from the U.S. Army for his bravery. The French government awarded him the Cross of War, the highest award for a non-citizen. In 1921, Post 8 had Hammond’s remains exhumed and returned to Port Huron.
“He is buried at Lakeside Cemetery,” said Culler.
Post 8 moved into its current location at Sixth and Wall Street in 1938. In 1946, the lounge was built. In 1950, the large hall was added.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
