Friends of Ernie Pyle report $500,000 invested and artifacts on loan to local museum

The Friends of Ernie Pyle told the Vermillion County Council they have invested roughly $500,000 into the Ernie Pyle Veterans Memorial Park and continue fundraising and partnership development for the project's completion.

A representative said the group has completed ADA-compliant restrooms, unveiled a sculpture that drew more than 100 attendees, and secured a loan of three Ernie Pyle artifacts from the Indiana State Museum — notably the gray tweed jacket Pyle wore to a White House visit. “We so far, we've put in basically $500,000 into into the park,” the presenter said. The organization is pursuing grants, partnerships with universities and possible museum loans in future seasons.

The Friends said they are not asking for county funds at this meeting but encouraged the council to consider a community funding mechanism being discussed by commissioners and the council that would allow nonprofits to apply for project grants. The group also described plans to run a high-school writing contest to engage students in Pyle's legacy and expand educational outreach.

Council members praised the volunteers' work and encouraged continued coordination on events and artifact loans. The presenter said artifacts would likely return after Veterans Day and that the group will keep the council updated about future grant requests and events.