Respect and Restoration— the Marshall High School Statesmen’s Memorial Sign

During a recent lecture on the “Candy Bomber” of the Berlin Airlift, Marshall Center historian Rachel Thompson learned from audience member Tom Brown about a unique football tradition. In 1999, the George C. Marshall High School football team helped clear debris from Dodona Manor’s grounds before its restoration. As a keepsake, the Statesmen carried away a brick, which soon became part of a cherished game-day tradition.

Brown, whose son played on the team (and went on to play at West Point), gave the brick a place of honor by building a memorial stand, which players touch before each game for inspiration. This lasting tradition, along with other tributes, reflects the team’s deep connection to General Marshall’s legacy of leadership and service. The MHS band, football players and cheerleaders have also proudly represented Marshall by greeting veterans participating in the inspirational Honor Flight Program at Dulles and Reagan airports.

Thompson and Marshall Center Executive Director Valérie Beaudoin recently paid a visit to the Falls Church school to check out the brick and Brown’s stand. They could see that time had taken its toll, and it needed new life.

Thompson went to work arranging a faithful restoration to keep the inspiring tradition going. She enlisted talented local artist Penny Hauffe and Larry Messner, a fine-finish carpenter who had volunteered his time and talents restoring every window at Dodona Manor. Hauffe and Messner did not disappoint, creating a beautiful restoration with the team’s original brick intact.

Larry Messner, Rachel Thompson, Tom Brown and Penny Hauffe

Through these tributes, we are thrilled that Marshall High players continue to honor their school’s namesake and uphold General Marshall’s enduring values of leadership, service and respect. Go Statesmen!