Aug 10, 2006 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

Area contractors have broken ground on the World War II memorial planned for downtown Uniontown, beginning the final leg of a five-year plan to install the tribute to the “Greatest Generation.” “We had all the contractors there Aug. 1 and everything is being done,” said Joe T. Joseph, adjutant of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 51 in Uniontown. “We had Hopwood Construction fix a little water line break, and nothing is slowing us down now. We are ahead of schedule.”

Joseph, who has spearheaded the project, said the memorial should be compete by Sept. 25.

The project is being constructed under the supervision of K2 Engineering.

The memorial consists of one monument surrounded by three memorials in a triangle with the names of area veterans in World War II, Joseph said.

More than 3,000 names will be engraved in the black granite tribute with a laser, according to Joseph.

“We are continuing to look for additional names so they can be included,” Joseph said.

The memorial will be constructed near the Fayette County Courthouse and will occupy about 800 square feet of space, including benches and flagpoles.

“In the weeks after the completion, we are going to have a dedication program and unveil the new memorial and a couple generals already have committed to being there,” Joseph said.

Joseph said dozens of area families have committed to attend the ceremony, including one local family who had five brothers and a sister serve in World War II. Joseph said more than 100 family members from around the country from that family alone are expected to be at the ceremony.

“We have so many from across the country interested and supporting this,” Joseph said.

The project will cost about $200,000. Joseph reminded area residents and businesses that commemorative bricks still are available to be placed at the memorial site.

“These folks deserve to be called the Greatest Generation and I have the highest respect for each and everyone of these men,” Joseph said. “We would not have the freedoms we do if it weren’t for these men.”

To purchase a brick or for further information about the memorial, call Joseph at 724-438-8688.