BY THE NUMBERS

By The Times of Noblesville | July 28, 2025

By The Numbers, a look at what’s in the news . . . by the numbers. These are just numbers, not suggestions that they mean more or less than what they are. We do not suggest that one number is connected to another. These are simply facts with no extraneous details, bias or slanted reporting. To borrow (and perhaps mangle a bit) a quote from legendary fictional detective Joe Friday, it’s just the numbers, ma’am!

A little over three months ago we highlighted Ernie Pyle in this particular space. Today, we are doing it again because coming up this weekend is a very special celebration at the Ernie Pyle WWII Museum in Dana, Ind. Ernie was quite likely the best-known journalist in World War II, reaching as many as 12 million people.

125

Uncle Ernie, as he was lovingly called by some vets, was born on Aug. 3, 1900.

400

Ernie Pyle’s columns were published in 400 daily newspapers around the country.

300

Ernie Pyle’s columns were published in 400 weekly newspapers around the country.

10-5, 12-5

The wonderful Ernie Pyle Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5.

8-2 to 8-10

The celebration of Ernie Pyle’s 125th birthday begin Aug. 2 Saturday, and run through Aug. 10..

And without further ado, and as Paul Harvey used to say, here’s the rest of the story from the good folks at the Ernie Pyle Museum! See you there!

Aug. 3, 2025, marks the 125th anniversary of the birthday of Ernie Pyle — the renowned, Pulitzer Prize-winning Hoosier war correspondent. The Ernie Pyle WWII Museum in his hometown of Dana, Indiana, will mark the occasion with a week of special events including entertainment, a party with cake and ice cream, WWII re-enactors and a screening of the movie, “The Story or G.I. Joe.” The celebration begins Aug. 2 and ends with the Ernie Pyle Firemen’s Festival Aug. 9-10. The festival is an annual event drawing crowds to Dana for music, food, a parade and more.

     Birthday celebration events at the museum feature a variety of entertainment and activities. All times are EST and all events are free and open to the public. The museum will be open during the festivities.

     Pyle was born in a farmhouse just outside of Dana in 1900. He went on to a career in journalism that included writing poignant, first-person, human-interest stories about regular soldiers during WWII. His columns were published in 400 daily and 300 weekly newspapers across the country and he became a beloved chronicler of “The Greatest Generation.” Pyle was killed shortly before the end of the war by sniper fire on the island of Ie Shima in 1944. “No man in this war has so well told the story of the American fighting man as American fighting men wanted it told. He deserves the gratitude of all his countrymen,” said President Harry Truman at the time of Pyle’s death.

     The house where Pyle was born is part of the museum where visitors can tour to learn about Pyle and life in the early 20th Century. The museum also includes Quonset huts where visitors can learn about WWII and the experiences of the soldiers Pyle covered during his time as a war correspondent.

     The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from Noon-5 p.m. from May through Veterans Day. It is located at 120 Briarwood Ave, Dana, Indiana. To arrange a group or special tour on another day or during the off-season, call the museum at 765-554-3633 or email director@erniepyle.org

Ernie Pyle 125th Birthday Celebration Events

  • Saturday, Aug. 2, 9 p.m. Outdoor Showing of “The Story of G.I. Joe” — bring a lawn chair, blanket, and enjoy the movie. Museum open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 3, 12:30 p.m. Ernie Pyle’s Birthday Party! Come enjoy birthday cake and ice cream Museum open Noon-5 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 4, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy the music and dance of the WWII era. Museum open 5-8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 5, 5-8 p.m. Taco Tuesday. As a roving reporter, Pyle crisscrossed the country and also Mexico and Central America. Mexican Food Truck on site for dinner. Museum open 5-8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 6, 5-8 p.m. Hometown Gathering. Hot dog meals, kids’ games, and more; Museum open 5-8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug 7, 5-7 p.m. Bring your dog for special outdoor treats and a photo in the museum’s WWII Jeep. Friendly, leashed dogs only. Ernie had special dogs in his life — Shep, Cheetah, and any he met on his travels. Museum open 5-8 p.m.
  • Friday, Aug 8- Sunday, Aug.10 WWII Reenactment. Museum open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; noon-5 p.m. on Sunday.
  • Saturday Aug. 8-Sunday, Aug. 9 Ernie Pyle Firemen’s Festival. Join us for this annual event in downtown Dana featuring a parade, food, music and more. Museum open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday; noon-5 p.m. on Sunday.
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