After an unsuccessful nine-year effort by the Merchant Marines to get equal recognition with other branches of the military on Butler County's World War II Memorial, the county commissioners awarded the mariners a place in Diamond Park for a separate World War II Merchant Marine Memorial.

The contract has been signed, with installation of the monument planned for the spring. The unveiling and dedication is being planned for the day before Memorial Day.

The purpose of this letter is to inform the public that the committee in charge of the new memorial is seeking financial support from the public. As anyone can see by the tight schedule under which the committee is working, the time is short for collection of funds.

The committee hopes to have all of the needed funds on hand by Feb. 1 and will be updating the public on the progress of the fundraising in the days ahead.

The committee is aware that, during this recessionary time, money is tight. Therefore, any contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated.

All contributions will be tax deductible.

Checks should be made payable to: World War II Merchant Marine Memorial, c/o Anna Ferguson, treasurer, 326 Beacon Road, Renfrew, PA 16053-9405.