Restored Ohiopyle war memorial is unveiled by veterans
OHIOPYLE – This year, an area veterans’ group will observe Memorial Day with a restored war memorial.
After 12 years of raising money, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 265, joined by dozens of other people, rededicated the war memorial next to Ohiopyle-Stewart Community Center in December.
Post 265 serves Henry Clay, Stewart and Wharton townships.
Built in 1944 under the backdrop of World War II, the base began to lean over the years because of several factors, according to Delbert Hager, the post’s vice commander.
“Freezing and frosting took a toll on it,” said Hager. “There were also some issues with the depth of the base when it was first constructed. The monument is right next to the community center, so it began to pose a safety concern.”
In response, the post decided to restore it rather than have it permanently removed.
Leo Smith, post adjutant, is one of the five living charter members, along with Hager. He felt it was important to keep the monument.
“We were concerned with its state,” said Smith. “We were concerned that if we didn’t do something, it would have to be torn down eventually. I knew a lot of the contractors around the area and was told action needed to be taken quickly. It would have been a terrible shame to have it go waste, so we felt we could raise the money to replace it.”
Told it would take $7,000 to repair the monument, the group envisioned the project would be completed by Memorial Day 1998.
The post held square dances at the community center, sold poppies and sponsored a golf tournament.
The group also tried to reach out to the community for donations as well, but found it difficult to secure help.
“It’s very difficult to raise money for anything,” said Smith, who served in the Air Force from 1957-1961. “We tried to reach out to the community with donation boxes but it didn’t work well. It was just tough.”
Raising money proved difficult, but according to Hager, who served in the Army Security Agency in the early 1950s, the group didn’t want to give up.
“This wasn’t the worst we had been through as former members of the military,” said Hager with a smile. “We were dedicated to get this monument built.”
As time passed, the cost increased to $11,000, and plans changed from refurbishing the monument to tearing it down and building a new one.
The post collected between $1,500 and $2,000 and 84 Lumber Co. founder Joe Hardy donated $1,000 as well
A $10,000 grant through state Sen. Richard A. Kasunic, D-Dunbar, last year also helped the group meet its goal.
“It took a while but we did it,” said Hager. “Patty Nicholson was very helpful in getting a grant from senator Kasunic. Doug Hoehn, who is the president at the community center, also helped us. We are also thankful to Mr. Hardy, as well.”
The monument contains the original stone face nestled on a new concrete base.
Additional improvements to the memorial include lights and a new stainless steel flagpole.
For Hager, the rededication of the monument brought back memories to when he saw the original dedication more than 65 years ago.
“Hundreds of people showed up then,” said Hager. “At that time all the veterans present were WWI veterans. Now there are just a few WWII veterans left to see this monument.”
Still Hager is proud the post accomplished its goal.
“We never lost sight,” said Hager. “We kept on it and finished it. We are proud to have it done because it connects with our motto-duty, honor and country.”
This Memorial Day the post will lay a wreath at its restored memorial, which they vow to watch over in the future.
“We are going to watch it carefully in the future,” said Smith. “The community center owns the land and will watch over it, too, but we also want to make sure it stays in good shape.”