No doubt an irresistible place for kids to climb and open to the elements, the historic cannon on the Mattapoisett lawn had begun to look pretty ragged. But recently local firefighters gave it some much needed TLC.

Part of the Civil War Monument, the 1879 cannon is important to local veterans.

When Fire Chief Andy Murray heard that retired servicemen and women were looking for a way to refurbish it, he volunteered his department.

“We thought it would be a good project to take care of for the veterans so they don’t have to pay anything,” said Murray.

Veteran’s Agent Barry Denham said they’d been looking for someone to repaint the cannon, an Arsenal made in Watertown, Mass, for several years.

“It was in dire need of paint,” said Denham. “The last time it was painted was about 16 or 17 years ago.”

The plan was to get it ready in time for Memorial Day observances.

“We always like everything to look crisp and clean and presentable,” said Denham. “That was something that was starting to get a bit unsightly.”

Zachary Olivier, of Olivier and Sons in New Bedford, sandblasted the cannon free of charge.

The firefighters then painted and primed it with supplies donated by Mahoney’s Building Supply in Mattapoisett.

“In the past, it was kind of a community badge,” said Denham.

With the project now completed, the cannon has a nice sheen and looks ready for battle...or community celebrations. And it was finished in time for Memorial Day.

Of the firefighters, Denham said, “We’re in their gratitude for that.”