Everson to honor veterans of wars past and present
EVERSON – A 4-foot granite veterans monument will be unveiled Saturday during a dedication ceremony in honor of borough veterans of wars past and present, including those that will serve as members of the armed forces. The program will start at 1:30 p.m. at the memorial site located at the corner of Brown and Jones streets adjacent to the Everson fire hall.
The $19,000 project was made possible by the Everson Civic Organization, which initially secured a $5,000 grant with the Department of Community and Economic Development through state Sen. Richard A. Kasunic, D-Dunbar, along with fund-raisers and a $4,700 donation from borough council.
Resident Mary Lesniak deeded the 13-by-100-foot parcel for the marker to the borough in memory of her husband, Joe, and son, Thomas, both veterans.
Despite the soggy weather, Joe Eckman, civic organization chairman, said everything was falling into place.
While the area still needs to be landscaped, Eckman said a cement walkway has been poured leading up to the marker with an American flag situated behind it that will be lit at night.
Eckman added other flags have been installed around the marker, representing the different branches of service.
“We wanted to honor all veterans, especially those that didn’t come home,” said Eckman.
The ceremony will begin with a patriotic medley by the Southmoreland High School band, while Mike Banaszak, council president, and Tim Shoemaker, mayor, will serve as masters of ceremony.
Everson Boy Scout Troop 160 will conduct a presentation of colors and flag raising with the band playing the national anthem.
Pastor Neil Stevens of the Everson Evangelical Church will give the invocation followed by Mary Jane Hay, a Pennsylvania American Beauties representative and published poet, who will present “Do You Know Who they Are?”
Guest speakers include Fayette County Judge John F. Wagner Jr.; Kasunic; state Rep. Deberah Kula, D-North Union Township; Fayette County Commissioner Vincent Vicites; Southmoreland School District Superintendent Dr. John Halfhill and Civilian Aide Emeritus to the Secretary of the Army John Spisso.
John Somerfield, a former resident, will then present a special proclamation authored by Maj. Gen. Walter Wojdakowski, commanding general of Fort Benning, Ga., followed by a veterans service conducted by the Everson VFW Hamilton-Maloy Post 595.
The Everson Cub Scout Pack 160 and veterans organizations from Armbrust and Scottdale along with the Retired Enlisted Association Chapter 98, Acme, will also attend the ceremony.
Tony Osip will serve as officer of the day as the Rev. John Salko, pastor of St. John Byzantine Catholic Church in Scottdale, will provide the benediction.
The Everson VFW social hall, located on Graff Street, will provide light refreshments following the ceremony.
A portion of Brown Street and all intersecting arteries will be closed prior to the ceremony starting at noon and up until a half-hour before it ends, with traffic re-routed by Everson Volunteer Fire Co.
Parking will be available in lots at the fireman’s social hall and the Everson Evangelical Church, both located on Painter Street, and the VFW lot on Graff Street, the field across Jones Street from the fireman’s fairgrounds or any borough street where parking is permitted.