World War II Memorial Unveiled

Last Friday, December 6th, the recently completed Southwestern Pennsylvania World War II Memorial was dedicated in a ceremony at the Memorial site along the North Shore in the city of Pittsburgh.  The Memorial, which is located along the Allegheny River near Heinz Field, was a project more than 13 years in the making.  I was proud to participate in the dedication ceremony and have the opportunity to personally thank the World War II veterans who were in attendance.

Getting this Memorial funded and built was truly a community effort and many people contributed a significant amount of time and energy towards seeing this project come to fruition.  I was proud to assist with obtaining state funding towards the $4 million Memorial and as Chairman of the Sports and Exhibition Authority was pleased to work with the World War II Veterans of Southwestern Pennsylvania Memorial Committee in providing a home for the Memorial on the North Shore.  Countless others put forth tremendous efforts to turn this vision into a reality.  Many corporate, philanthropic and labor organizations in the region stepped up and made significant contributions towards the Memorial as well as a large number of individual donors and contributors.  The entire region should be commended for coming together for such a worthwhile and meaningful Memorial.

It was appropriate that the World War II Memorial was dedicated one day prior to the anniversary of the attacks at Pearl Harbor, which ultimately led to our country’s military engagement in the war.  Pearl Harbor was one of our nation’s darkest hours, a time when fear and uncertainty were rampant but also served as a rallying cry, an event that bonded and cemented our resolve, stoking determination, dedication and loyalty to our country and what it stands for.  Volunteers lined up to serve this country in World War II.  Our military personnel as well as families on the home front, sacrificed and pulled together, determined to do their part to help defeat the Axis powers.

The World War II Memorial conveys the region’s appreciation, respect and devotion to those who served during this war.  In addition to providing a proper tribute to “the Greatest Generation” this Memorial also serves as an educational opportunity for current and future generations.  Children growing up in our region today know and experience a Pittsburgh that is far different than what it was in the 1940’s.  As the world’s dominant steel producer at the time, this region not only contributed soldiers to the war effort but contributed 95 million tons of steel to Allied forces during the war, equipping our nation’s soldiers with the tools, weapons, ships and planes needed to win the war.  Our city and our region played an instrumental role in this country’s war effort during the 1940’s and this Memorial does a fantastic job illustrating that fact as well.

Congratulations to the Memorial Committee and to everyone who played a part and assisted along the way in getting this Memorial constructed.  As a region, we can be proud of this Memorial, for the appreciation and honor it bestows on our World War II veterans, and the impact this region’s veterans and workers had on the nation’s war effort.  I encourage everyone that can, to visit this Memorial, to pay respect to those who served our nation and to provide an image to our current and future generations the level of sacrifice, commitment and dedication that our “Greatest Generation” gave to our region and our country.  As we move forward, let us keep in our thoughts and prayers these men and women and all veterans who have sacrificed in the past and who are sacrificing today on behalf of their fellow citizens.