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Traveling by crane and flatbed truck, the M41A1 tank was brought from the American Legion Donald R. Ward Post No. 1259 in Cayuga to the American Legion S-K Post No. 1324 in Auburn Monday afternoon. The trip took longer than anticipated because the tank hadn't been moved since it arrived in Cayuga from Fort Drum in 1964. The tank was retired after an engine fire.

Legion member Ed King said the tank was moving to Auburn because the Cayuga Legion post is closing — like many others across the country. 

Membership nationwide has dwindled down to 2.4 million, down from 3.1 million 20 years ago, according to recent statistics.

King said the Legion post in Cayuga has 10 members currently, but at one time had roughly 250. He and his fellow Legion members voted recently to ensure the tank would move to Auburn. 

The tank will sit adjacent to the legion's parking lot, with the gun facing toward State Street. 

"It is a tribute to our greatest generation. I mean this is what this post is named after," King said. "It's a tribute to all veterans as well."

The tank itself was a Korean War-era tank, King said. He hopes the new, unique feature to the Auburn post will help increase membership and enrollment. The Auburn Legion currently has roughly 370 members, but that number is continuing to decline.

"It's a tough thing to try to keep interest," he said.