The original AP
Delsandro Veterans Memorial was erected in the early 1980’s. The Memorial pays
reverent tribute to the 87 Donora citizens that made the ultimate sacrifice in
WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
Situated near the
commercial center of town, the property is located at a major hub next to the
Post Office and across the street from the library and history center. It is
near the community social hall and in close proximity to a senior housing center
and the Donora Smog Museum.
Due to environmental
damage, the original memorial was removed. Since that time, the APD Veterans
Memorial Committee has been raising funds to rebuild the structure. The main
fundraiser for the last 37 years has been an annual golf outing.
With the support of
local donors, Phase I has been completed and plans are finalized to implement
the next phases of the project.
Accomplishments to
date:
New concrete has
been installed on the memorial site
Four historic
plaques containing the names of citizens lost in WWI, II Korea and Vietnam have
been cleaned, recoated and remounted
Four 5ft. X 10ft.
original art murals have been installed
Upcoming phases
include:
A landscaped seating
area will be constructed and installed. The structure will incorporate the use
of steel elements to highlight Donora’s industrial heritage. Lighting features
will be installed to focus on the murals, flagpole, plaques and seating area.
Donors will have an opportunity to purchase memorial bricks and benches to honor
loved ones. In addition to supporting the rebuilding of the memorial, proceeds
support youth sports, veterans' groups and other worthy causes in Donora and the
Mon Valley.