Nearly 500 people attended last week’s dedication of the Veterans Memorial on Morgan Drive in Mt. Lebanon Park.  The event generated an outpouring of patriotism and many compliments to the volunteers who  worked tirelessly to raise the funds for the project.  “Bullet” Bob Daley, a World War II vet who sang The Star Spangled Banner and also coordinated the Marine Corps League honor guard that raised the colors, said  it was the best such event the Marines had ever participated in—and they have done many.

The South Hills Chorale’s beautiful singing,  District Justice Blaise Larotonda’s thoughtful invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dan Miller and World War II Vet Jack Haller, Chair Rocky Bleier’s inspirational speech, Chair Dan Gigler’s reading of the honor roll of the dead and Ron LoVerde’s “Taps” made for a moving and meaningful ceremony that concluded with the lighting of the memorial, the singing of God Bless America and a lively medley of military songs by Carnegie Mellon’s Skibo Brass.  Lisa Minor of Duquesne Light, which provided a $220,000 Power of Light grant for the project, was there to see the results of the company’s  charitable donation.

Watch film of the ceremony here:

Designed by Loysen + Kreuthmeier architects and built by Vento Landscaping and Construction with the help of electrical contractor Viastar, the memorial is a beautiful addition to Mt. Lebanon’s landscape, especially at night when it is visible from Cedar Boulevard.  If you have not seen it yet,  we hope you’ll visit soon and spend some time reading the base of the obelisk, which names those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and also the glass panels at the side of the memorial, which honor donors, many of whom gave in honor of a family member who served.

It is not too late to donate to the Memorial.  We have nearly reached the fund-raising goal; however, it is important also to have a fund that can provide for perpetual maintenance of the memorial and special events that may be held there to honor veterans or educate young people about war and peace.  To donate, go to www.mtlebanon.org and click on the flag.