DUBOIS – Barry Abbott of the Sons of the American Legion presented two veterans-related projects to the Sandy Township Supervisors on Monday night.
The first SAL project was a memorial for veterans who are living and deceased. The second SAL project was for veterans only parking in the region, he said.
The veterans memorial will be placed around and include the howitzer artillery in the DuBois City Park. The howitzer will be repainted to authentic colors, he said.
According to Abbott, black granite pavers are being sold at $100 each. They allow for four lines of text with 12 characters per line, and the lettering will be done in white.
“In my opinion, it is a project that is long overdue in this area. In my opinion, it will be a very nice honor for area veterans,” said Abbott.
The first 180 pavers, he said, will be used to create an artistic depiction of the United States’ flag. “To date, we have sold a 140 [pavers]. We are well under way to completing the flag project,” he said.
According to Abbott, the project is open to memorialize and honor veterans of all military branches from the U.S. Army to the Women’s Army Corp.
“People who have relatives in other towns or who have served with our allies are welcome to join us in this paver project,” said Abbott.
Near the pavers will be an honors area for past and current commanders of the American Legion. The original headstone of George Montgomery will be reset with minor restoration. The DuBois American Legion is named after Montgomery, said Abbott.
Excess funds from selling pavers, he explained, will be set aside for maintenance of the pavers. “I want kids to see where we honored their fathers and grandfathers,” said Abbott.
Pavers order forms can be picked up at the DuBois American Legion or by e-mailing Barry Abbott at jbaka@verizon.net.
Abbott also gave the supervisors a “veterans parking only” sign. According to Abbott, the SAL intends to sell these to regional businesses for $15 to encourage more accessible parking for those who have served in the military. Unlike handicap placards, he said these are not legally enforceable.
Jim Jeffers suggested to Abbott that local municipalities could start passing enforceable local ordinances regarding the signs. Abbott stated he would begin talking about the signs with area officials.