WW II memorial nearing October completion
Construction on the World War II memorial is moving along and should be completed by the beginning of next month, according to Joe T. Joseph, chairman of the committee to build the monument. “We’re happy that everything’s moving along well,” Joseph, adjutant for American Legion Post 51 in Uniontown, said Wednesday.
The memorial is on the Court Street side of the Fayette County Courthouse, and occupies about 800 feet of space, including memorial benches and flagpoles.
Contractors broke ground on the memorial, constructed under the supervision of K2 Engineering, last month.
The memorial is one monument surrounded by three smaller memorials in a triangle, with the names of veterans who left from Uniontown to serve in World War II. Joseph said more than 3,000 names will be engraved in the black granite tribute with a laser and organizers are continuing to search out veterans whose names have not yet been included on the list.
The project cost is about $200,000, much of which was raised through donations and contributions from state and local lawmakers.
Joseph previously said that dozens of families have committed to attend the ceremony.
He said about 500 commemorative bricks still are available for purchase, and noted that about 800 have already been sold. Joseph said many have used the bricks to honor service men and women from all eras, but they can also be purchased in honor or memorial of civilians. Businesses have also purchased bricks, Joseph said.
The bricks will surround the monument, Joseph said. He said orders for the bricks need to be placed by the end of next week.
“The World War II Committee cordially thanks the public and all who have assisted us in this tedious but necessary program for the greatest generation,” Joseph said.
To purchase a brick or for further information about the memorial, call Joseph at 724-438-8688.