The Hollitzer cannon, known as “Cool Hand Luke,” will stay in downtown Sullivan and be the centerpiece of the new East Vine St. roundabout following a vote by the Sullivan City Council on Tuesday night. The cannon was being sought to be relocated at the VFW Post 3987.

By James B. Bartle
The Sullivan Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3987 were denied their request to move the “Cool Hand Luke” Howitzer Cannon from downtown Sullivan to the VFW Post for restoration and display following a vote by the Sullivan City Council on Tues., July 20.
Alderman Mike Ryan presented a motion before the council on Tuesday night, following a request for action by Mayor J.T. Hardy, in which the motion would have allowed the cannon to be relocated to the Sullivan VFW. The motion was seconded by Alderman Michael Lohden and failed by a vote of four-to-two with Aldermen Jarrett Dace, Dennis Watz, Tom Leasor and Paul McCulloch voting no.
Prior to the vote and motion, Alderman Mike Ryan stated that a decision has to be made on this issue and that it’s a shame that this old gun was in the shape that it is in. He went on to say that this is not an issue between Sullivan and Oak Grove, adding that issue should have been resolved 30 years ago. It belongs to the VFW and American Legion Post and he felt that a half a million people would see the cannon at the VFW Post.
“I understand the feelings of some of the older generation people in Sullivan that would like to see it stay, but it is more practical to move it to the VFW as well as the proper and best thing to do,” said Ryan.
Mayor Hardy then asked Ryan if that was a motion and he stated yes, which was followed by a second from Alderman Lohden.
Mayor Hardy then asked for discussions from the council.
Alderman Watz commented that he didn’t view this as a Sullivan/Oak Grove issue nor a Sullivan against the veterans issue, but felt that the cannon was an asset to the citizens of Sullivan and at one time was valued at $65,000, but added that it has lost value due to the condition it is in.
Watz added that the design for the roundabout to be constructed in front of City Hall has the cannon displayed in the center as the centerpiece of the roundabout and the city should restore it for that purpose.
Alderman McCulloch stated that nobody wants to see the cannon moved and it is disrespectful for the city to have not maintained the cannon and neglect it. He felt the city needed to restore it.
Alderman Leasor stated that this issue has weighed on him more than probably any other, with the exception of utility rates, and felt that this was a historic piece of history in downtown Sullivan for the school children to see and to honor those who served. He also felt it needed to stay in downtown Sullivan. Leasor added that the city may need to get an organization or people to volunteer to help restore the cannon.
Mayor Hardy stated that he was a veteran and felt that it was a sad scene the way the cannon has been treated over the years and not maintained. He felt that if it was located at the VFW it would be properly maintained and taken care of with pride on a daily basis.
“If it stays here, I challenge the board to find a way to help take care of it,” said Hardy. “If we don’t have the volunteers or the money to take care of it, then we need to give it away and let the VFW take care of it.”
The council then voted 4-2 against moving the cannon to the VFW.