It took a lot of sweat equity (and three gallons of paint), but thanks to the hard work of a few veterans, Marion’s World War II-era cannon is again holding court in its rightful place.

Anyone driving on Route 6 might’ve noticed the recent absence of the 105mm M101 howitzer. The century-old cannon has long had a place of honor in front of what is now the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center. Now, after several weeks of sanding, repairing and painting, the cannon has returned home.

Its triumphant return is due in large part to several veterans, members of Marion’s former VFW Post. Ron Barros and Doug Thackeray spent a few hours every day for nearly a month sanding the cannon down and repainting it, according to DPW mechanic Ron Auld.

The three and a half week restoration process took place at the Marion Department of Public Works garage on Route 6. Barros and Thackeray were assisted by Auld and fellow DPW mechanic Malcolm Hathaway. Fred Coulson, of Barden’s Boatyard, also chipped in and transported the cannon to and from the garage at no charge.

Re-finishing the cannon had been in the back of Demi Barros’ mind for a long time. Barros, the last commander of the Benjamin Cushing VFW Post, said he’d wanted to refinish the cannon before it deteriorated even further. As the cannon had spent many years without maintenance or attention, rust was beginning to spread and the paint was dull and slowly chipping away. All said, not necessarily a fitting tribute to the people and memories that the cannon stands for.

The howitzer, originally manufactured in 1917, was installed in Marion shortly after the conclusion of World War II. While it originally sat outside of Marion’s Music Hall on Front Street, it was moved in front of what is now the community center several years ago.

The circumstances of its purchase were originally something of a mystery. Only the recent renovation of the community center solved the cold case. Selectman Jody Dickerson explained that sales paperwork for the cannon was found during the renovation process. It turns out that the VFW originally purchased the howitzer for $35, from a surplus sale, before promptly parking it in front of the Music Hall.

Now that it’s back in front of the community center, Marion residents can plan on the restored cannon remaining a permanent feature. “It’s going to stay here for the veterans,” Dickerson said. “We don’t want to forget what they gave us. It’s why we named the community center after Benjamin Cushing, and why the cannon will stay.”