During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted a new interactive story map detailing Leesburg's contributions during World War II. The map, available on the town's preservation page, showcases significant historical sites and figures, including General George Marshall, who played a pivotal role in the Allied victory and the post-war Marshall Plan.

The discussion also touched on the ongoing efforts to affiliate Dodona Manor with the National Park Service, a move supported by local congressional representatives. This affiliation aims to enhance the site's historical recognition, although it stops short of full ownership by the Park Service.

The meeting featured a presentation on the story map, which includes a timeline of General Marshall's life and the impact of local families, such as the Eustaces, who contributed to the war effort. The Eustace family, known for their ties to President Franklin Roosevelt, memorialized their son Morton, who died in action during the war, at a cemetery in Normandy.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the history of a prisoner of war camp in Leesburg, which operated during the war. Local farmers utilized the labor of German POWs, who were compensated with stamps for goods at the camp. Concerns about their treatment led to advocacy efforts that coincided with the closure of these camps in 1946.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement, encouraging residents to explore the story map and learn more about Leesburg's rich wartime history. The interactive nature of the map allows users to delve deeper into the narratives and historical significance of the area, fostering a greater appreciation for the local contributions to the war effort.