Penn Twp. veterans can rest assured eagle will fly for the rest of their lives and beyond
Many members of the Penn Township Veterans Association can remember when the huge metal eagle sculpture created by the late Steve Zavacky was installed atop the Wings of Peace Memorial in 1986.
Their concern was palpable when it was discovered the sculpture was failing and the proud national symbol was removed from the monument, which was made of stone found exclusively in the soil of Penn Township.
Now, thanks to the care and compassion Butler County residents have for those who selflessly served, the old eagle once again watches over the association’s installations at the intersection of Airport and Three Degree roads.
Many a patriotic Butler County citizen put their money where their mouth is and ponied up with a donation to rebuild or replace the statue.
The association was amazed to report that $8,065 came into Butler County Veterans Services, in care of director Shawnee Young, to rebuild or replace the Wings of Peace eagle.
The crumbling sculpture was refurbished by renowned Butler metal artist and 1979 Butler High School graduate Bill Secunda, who saw an article in the Butler Eagle on the plight of the veterans association.
Secunda swiftly and professionally refurbished the sculpture, which should remain frozen in its landing position atop the monument well into the forseeable future.
The job was done so well that no one would realize the bird had been repaired.
Now, Penn Township veterans like Ed Hughes, Glen Greenawalt and Chuck Kaczmarek can relax, knowing their beloved monument is restored and will inspire motorists, residents, walkers and visitors well into the future.
The Butler Eagle is proud to have helped the Penn Township eagle refurbishment by listing donation instructions in an article on the situation.
After all, we eagles gotta stick together.
— PG
