ZELIENOPLE — Veterans and members of the Sons of the American Legion lined up holding American flags Saturday, Nov. 14. They delivered prayers for those who currently and previously served in the military.

Zelienople’s rededication of Veterans Memorial Park was a celebration of those who protect America’s freedoms.

“Lord, we thank you for the brave men and women who have raised up to defend those freedoms. As we come together today to rededicate this veterans memorial, we remember those who sacrificed to protect our lives,” pastor Jeremy Sanders of Grace Church of Harmony read to the crowd gathered at the corner of Main Street and Grandview Avenue.

The borough, with the help of private donors, the American Legion and others, redesigned the Veterans Memorial Park. This “meaningful project is dedicated to honoring the memory and service of all our local veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces,” according to the borough.

Of the estimated $350,000 cost, community member Tom Murray donated $50,000 on behalf of his father, aunt and three uncles who served in the military during World War II.

“My father served in the naval battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. I had three uncles and one aunt who served in World War II. I remember my grandmother hanging a gold star … when my uncle had been killed in action. We were all very sad,” Murray said. “When you get an opportunity to say thank you for your service, I take that opportunity, and I hope you also take that opportunity to.”

The project included a redesign of the memorial layout, including tree replenishment, cleaning and refinishing of the existing monuments and the installation of additional monuments. Residents were able to support the project by purchasing commemorative bricks placed in the central area of the park in front of the monuments.

“Being a part of this project from its inception is meaningful to me, primarily because my father served in Vietnam as a Navy Seal,” said William Morgan, commander of the Sons of the American Legion Post 474. “He instilled in me pride, love for veterans and love for our community.”

Another feature of the newly renovated park is the planting of a new “Liberty Tree.” The tree was planted with seeds descended from America’s last surviving Liberty Tree from the thirteen original colonies at St. John’s College in Annapolis Maryland. Liberty Trees were gathering places for Sons of Liberty groups throughout he colonies for meetings and discussions.

“I’m also a veteran. I’ve been a veteran longer than I’ve been mayor, which has been a long time,” Zelienople Mayor Tom Oliverio said. “This is a beautiful community park. It’s delightful to sit here, relax and enjoy yourselves.”