Penn Township veterans seek assistance in fixing monument
Nearly 40 years ago, a metal eagle was hoisted to the top of the Wings of Peace monument, a stone veterans monument, by members of the Penn Township Veterans Association.
The structure was intended to last far into the future, but recently, those involved in the 1986 project learned the eagle was made of cast aluminum rather than stainless steel.
Members of the community have already come together to help replace or repair the eagle.
Recently, Joel Hilliard, a township resident and veteran who served in the Air Force from 1991 to 1996, brought his bucket truck to take a look at the monument. He found the bird was too damaged to repair and worked to remove the eagle for now.
Hilliard also went on to pledge $500 toward replacement or repair of the eagle.
Members of the association met last week to decide on next steps. They determined the eagle will likely need to be replaced and hope to raise the money to do so.
“It’s very important to maintain this,” said Chuck Kaczmarek, president of the organization. “There are not too many people who honor their veterans like we do in Penn Township.”
We agree with Chuck. The way Butler County respects and stands up for its veterans is truly remarkable. We’re hopeful that more of the community will come together to make replacing or repairing the eagle a reality.
Anyone who is interested in helping the Penn Township veterans place a new eagle on the Wings of Peace monument can send donations to Shawnee Young, director, Butler County Veterans Services, 124 W. Diamond St., Butler, PA 16001.
Checks should be made out to “Butler County Veterans Services” and all checks should be marked “Wings of Peace.”
More information on the project is available by calling Kaczmarek at 724-524-1350.
— TL
