Donations Sought for Preservation of Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial

HARRISBURG, Pa. – With Veterans Day quickly approaching, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) encourages individuals and businesses to consider making a donation for the preservation of the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial, located at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Lebanon County.

“The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial is dedicated to all who serve the nation and veterans of all wars—past and future. But it takes a lot of money to keep the memorial in perfect shape,” said Brig. Gen. Jerry Beck Jr., the state’s deputy adjutant general for veterans affairs. “Since Veterans Day is right around the corner, this is the perfect time to encourage individuals and businesses to consider a donation to help maintain this elaborate structure for generations to come.”

Maintained by the DMVA, the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial stands 107 feet high and 360 feet long. Its design evokes “the ruins of a war-torn building centered in a land of solemnity.” Designed by Cee Jay Frederick Associates, West Chester, Pa., the granite, stone, and concrete composition was dedicated Oct. 7, 2001 and cost $6.2 million to construct. It is the largest veterans’ memorial located in any of the 133 national cemeteries maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Unfortunately, the memorial hasn’t received any major repairs since its dedication and it is in need of some attention,” Beck added.

An annual Veterans Day ceremony will be held at the memorial at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8 rain or shine.

Those interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to help preserve the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial, may send a check or money order made payable to “Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund” and mail it to: DMVA Office for Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003.

For more information about the memorial visit www.veterans.pa.gov and click on the ‘PA Veterans’ Memorial link.