The droves of officials and dignitaries that gathered Tuesday in Diamond Park on Main Street to dedicate Butler County's new World War II memorial didn't need to say a word.

The look in Charlie Dillon's eyes told the story.

Dillon, who was a first lieutenant in the Army during World War II, couldn't have been more proud.

"I've waited 60 years for this," he said. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

Neither the rain nor the wind nor the fact that the monument isn't exactly finished dampened the enthusiasm of the 80 or so people in attendance. The memorial, they said, was a long time in coming.

"This was an important day for him," said Dillon's daughter, Mary Jo Dillon. "We are just glad he was still able to be around to see this memorial."

John Cyprian, the county veterans services director, called Tuesday's dedication a "tweener."

The ceremony, complete with a round of "taps," a rifle salute and heartily sung renditions of the national anthem and "God Bless America," came after the monument's groundbreaking but before the $250,000 memorial is completely done.

The memorial's 5-foot-high granite wall is in place between two pillars, but the eagle and eternal lantern planned for atop the pillars aren't there yet.Cyprian said the date of the dedication, which was the 63rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into the war, was too important to wait for the memorial's final touches."It is our job to make sure the courage and sacrifices (of those who served) … are not forgotten," said keynote speaker state Rep. Guy Travaglio, D-11th, himself a World War II veteran.Some of those in attendance, such as Dillon, wore uniforms. Others donned red, white and blue colors.Alfred Maurhoff, 86, of Jefferson Township said he attended the ceremony "to see some friends."However, as an Army veteran he said he hopes the effects of the day will live on."To preserve our freedoms, you have to learn a little history," he said.