Bethel Park Veterans Memorial

The Bethel Park Veterans Memorial Committee was established in 1997 for the purpose of creating a Veterans Memorial at the Bethel Park Municipal Building. Serving on the inaugural Committee were Chairman Jack T. Allen, Mark J. O'Brien, Leo Brooks Bebout, WIlliam A. Knaus, Leonard L. Anthony, Jr., Todd E. Carter, Bud Manion, Erich P. Rudolph, Anthony S. Trozzi, Reno Virgili, and Ronald G. Wolfe. Once formed, the Committee immediately began fundraising for the project and soon after commissioned Landscape Architect Joseph A. Hajnas & Associates and Architect Robert T. Stevens to design the Memorial site.

By the fall of 1999 the Veterans Memorial was complete, fully paid for through the fundraising efforts of the Veterans Memorial Committee.  On October 30, 1999 the Veterans Memorial was dedicated. The three large granite stones bear the names of approximately 3,000 honorably discharged veterans with residential ties to the Municipality of Bethel Park.  

Within four years of the dedication the three granite walls were full; there was no room for additional names. The Veterans Memorial Committee undertook an additional fundraising effort and as a result, in 2005 two additional granite walls were erected. Since that time approximately 100 additional names have been added to the Memorial.

Thanks to the continued hard work of the Veterans Memorial Committee, Bethel Park residents, past and present now have a beautiful and respectful place to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. 
 

Every year, Memorial Day in Bethel Park begins 7:50 a.m. with a Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial. It is a moving ceremony that is highlighted by the reading of the newly engraved veteran’s names.  In recent years the Veterans Memorial Committee has honored the families of Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  It is a painful reminder that our freedom is not free.
At 9:00 a.m. the Memorial Day Parade steps off from the Memorial and travels to the Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  At the cemetery the American Legion Post 760 also holds a ceremony to honor and recognize our Veterans.

                                                                                       The Honorable Judge James McLean
                                                                                       Guest of Honor, Memorial Day 2012

Brigadier General Thomas Ayres (BPHS Class of 1980)
Guest of Honor, Memorial Day 2011

                                                                             Memorial Day Ceremony at 
                                                                     Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery

Hometown Heroes Program
In conjunction with the Bethel Park Veterans Memorial Committee, a Bethel Park Military Banner Program has been established.  Through the program, Veterans with residential ties to Bethel Park may have their service in the military honored on a 24"x36" banner that will be exhibited along Route 88 in Bethel Park.  All information on the program may be obtained by clicking on the following link:  http://htmdesigns.com/american-legion/tribute.htm