Greater Lowell Technical High School Painting and Design Students Restore WWII Cannon for Tyngsborough American Legion Post

A completely repainted WWII cannon stands outside of Tyngsboro American Legion Post 247 after Painting & Design students from Greater Lowell Technical High School stripped off a rusted old paint job and completed a new one. (Photo Courtesy Greater Lowell Technical High School)

TYNGSBOROUGH — Students from Greater Lowell Technical High School’s Painting & Design program completed a meaningful community service project by restoring a historic World War II cannon for the Tyngsborough American Legion Post 247.

The project began when American Legion representatives and former GLTHS teachers, Joseph Conlin and John Taylor, reached out to GLTHS Painting & Design instructor Timothy Duby to ask if the school could assist in refurbishing the aging display. The cannon, which had become faded and rusted over many years of weather exposure, is an important symbol of honor and remembrance for local veterans.

The cannon, a 75mm Pack Howitzer M8 model built in 1941, was safely transported to the school’s campus, where, under the expert guidance of instructors Timothy Duby and Michael Donahue, students from the Painting & Design program engaged in every step of the restoration process. Tasks included power washing, sanding, applying a special rust-inhibiting primer, hand-painting with authentic Army Green 454B1B paint approved by the U.S. Military, and completing the work with a professional spray-on finish.

Upon completion, the refurbished WWII Cannon, with the help of Brad Taylor from the GLTHS Building and Grounds department, was returned to its new concrete pad, proudly positioned in front of the recently renovated American Legion Post, which was rebuilt after a devastating fire several years ago.

GLTHS is proud to partner with community organizations like the American Legion to provide students with real-world learning opportunities while honoring the legacy of those who served our country.

“This project exemplifies the power of hands-on learning and the true spirit of vocational-technical education — students applying the technical skills they’ve learned with craftsmanship and care to make a meaningful impact,” said Superintendent Jill Davis. “Experiences like this extend learning well beyond the classroom and show how our students can serve their community with pride and purpose.”