Gulfport World War II Memorial
When contemplating the meaning behind a monument or memorial, it is crucial to understand the actions and lives of the honored individuals and how they shape our perspective on history and the future.
The Gulfport World War II Memorial in Mississippi resides next to the Gulfport Museum of History within the old Union Three Train Depot on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The pavilion features the names of those from Harrison County, Mississippi, who were killed in action during the Second World War. The memorial was erected in honor of Private First Class (PFC) James Hirah Diamond, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “extreme gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty” during the Battle of Mindanao on May 14th, 1945. PFC Diamond's service record includes numerous other awards, including the Purple Heart, the World War II Victory Medal, an Army Presidential Union Citation, Combat Infantryman and Marksmanship Badges, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. PFC Diamond’s contributions were honored during a Memorial Day celebration in 2012 when Gulfport mayor, George Schloegel, declared May 28th as "James H. Diamond Day." Although born in New Orleans, PFC Diamond grew up in Gulfport and is buried there; thus, he is claimed by Gulfport as one of their own.
When contemplating memorials to historical events, such as the Second World War, one must consider why monuments are erected in the first place. Keith Lowe, in his book, Prisoners of History: What Monuments to World War II Tell Us of Our History and Ourselves, examines monuments and what they say about history and its hold on the community. Lowe notes that most monuments dedicated to the Second World War have been left alone, unlike those of the American Civil War. Lowe writes, "These are the only ones that seem to have bucked the current trend of iconoclasm. In other words, these monuments continue to say something about who we are in a way that so many of our monuments no longer do." Thus, many WWII memorials and monuments are still memorialized accurately, or at least that culture's version of accuracy, according to James Young, the Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Founding Director of the Institute for Holocaust, Genocide, and Memory Studies at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. This may be because many WWII memorials and monuments were erected in memorials of specific historical events instead of figures who might later be met with disapproving scrutiny for other actions. Instead of seeing political figureheads, monuments represent more than just our history. Lowe further explains, "Beneath all the granite and bronze is a mix of everything that makes us who we are – power, glory, bravery, fear, oppression, greatness, hope, love, and loss.”
The Gulfport, MS memorial fits the theme mentioned above, representing all the qualities that go into the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for freedom. The pavilion, dedicated on June 14th, 2002, has a simple yet elegant design that gives off a home-like feel and fits right in with the rest of historic downtown Gulfport, Mississippi. The landscape surrounding it was redone in 2011 and enhances the beauty of the memorial. A plain stone marker, lying at the base of a flagpole, clearly gives the reason for the Gulfport World War II Memorial: “To honor – to solidify their sacrifice: Harrison County residents killed in action during World War II. The memorial is hidden within the historic downtown and unknown to most individuals. Though the Gulfport World War II Memorial has been on Waymarking.com since 2016, the only information available is the location and a brief description of the dedication plaque.
For the author, the thought of having a hidden memorial to the Second World War gives off a feeling of being one with history. Finding the monument helped this author immerse herself in the historical incident behind the memorial. This is one of the best parts about monuments and memorials to eras gone by: the representation of prior events helps us to understand our past while also helping to further our future. Monuments and memorials, such as the Gulfport WWII Memorial, make it easier to relate to those of our past and immerse us in the history of both our communities and our world. This unpretentious but moving monument dedicated to the Harrison County populace killed in action during the Second World War gives off a feeling of remembrance for their sacrifice and pride for being part of this community and its history. This feeling will likely last longer than the monument, as it is designed to withstand the test of time.
(Edited by Brad Poss and Laura Bailey)
