Dawn of Hope - Russell Dougherty - Edmond, Oklahoma
Posted by: 
Max and 99
N 35° 39.366 W 097° 28.706
14S E 637733 N 3946872
Statue and memorial for Edmond's own Russell Dougherty, WWII Bomber Pilot.
Waymark Code: WM9CHB
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 08/01/2010
Views: 12
This large bronze sculpture of Edmond's own Russell Dougherty is located on Blvd, at the NE corner of Russell Dougherty School. The bronze life-size figure is on top of a 6' high foundation which has text on all four sides.
The memorial is in the center of a beautiful colored brick display, with a star point representing each branch of the military. The bricks are in a circular display around the memorial.
Text on one side of the memorial:
"Dawn of Hope"
Guadalcanal
April 1943
Artist Mary Lou Gresham has captured B-24 pilot, Second Lieutenant Russell Dougherty, from Edmond, Oklahoma as he is walking to his aircraft to fly that day's mission. Just as he straightens up after
grabbing his parachute, Dougherty pauses for an instant when the majesty of the rising sun captures his attention and is reflected in the lenses of his sunglasses. The Solomon Islands campaign, including the mission thta cost Dougherty his life, has stopped Japanese aggression in its tracks. Victory is by no means assured, but because of the bravery of those who fought in places like Midway, Guadalcanal, the Slot, and Iron Bottom Sound, Americans can dare to hope.
Marker on second side of memorial:
Russell R. Dougherty
Second Lieutenant, USAAC
1918-1943
The first of Edmond's young men to die in World War II, Dougherty joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941, receiving his wings in 1942 Flying B-24's with the 307th Bomber Group (H), Dougherty was flying from the Island of Guadalcanal in the Southwest Pacific when his plane was lost with its entire crew of nine men.
Although the only one of the host who lost their lives in World War II, Russell Dougherty personifies the sacrifice and dedication of those Americans who fought to free the world from tyranny.
in the bricks at your feet are the names of others associated with Edmond who committed what many believed to be the best years of their lives so that future generations the world over would be free.
List if there are any visiting hours:
The sculpture is on a public street corner in front of Russell Dougherty school and can be visited at any time.
Entrance fees (if it applies): none
Type of memorial: Statue
Website pertaining to the memorial: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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