M4 Sherman Tank in Island Pond, Vermont

ISLAND POND, VERMONT — A familiar piece of military history received some attention this summer as the M4 Sherman tank displayed at American Legion Brighton Post 80 in Island Pond was given a fresh coat of paint.

Sometimes the stories worth telling are hiding in plain sight.

For years, the M4 Sherman tank beside American Legion Brighton Post 80 has been a familiar landmark in Island Pond. Many of us have driven past it countless times, barely noticing the effects of time and weather that had slowly dulled its appearance. But recently, a Facebook post from the Legion caught my attention. Commander Jim Webb had taken on the task of restoring the tank’s appearance, giving it a fresh coat of olive drab paint and carefully applying the iconic white stars that once identified American armor across Europe during World War II.

Curious to see the results for myself, I stopped by with my camera.

What struck me wasn’t just the fresh paint. It was the care behind the project. Every angle of the tank now reflects the pride of a community that remembers the sacrifices of those who served. The Sherman remains silent, but it stands as a powerful reminder of a generation that answered the call when the world was at war.

These photographs aren’t just about a military vehicle. They’re about preservation, remembrance, and the people who quietly invest their time to ensure local history isn’t forgotten. In an age when so much changes so quickly, there’s something reassuring about seeing a familiar monument renewed rather than neglected.

Thank you to Commander Jim Webb and everyone at American Legion Brighton Post 80 who helped bring new life to this piece of history. The Post remains an active part of community life in Island Pond, including its role in the community’s annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony.

Through the Lens is a photo essay series exploring the people, places, and stories that make the Northeast Kingdom unique.