Weather can't dampen respect for Brackenridge's Honor Roll memorial

About 100 people turned out Sunday to join in the Memorial Day observance by the Brackenridge American Legion despite the weather moving the majority of activities inside.

The events held at Brackenridge Memorial Park included the rededication of the 54-year-old Honor Roll memorial that had been cleaned and restored after being vandalized in February. The memorial includes two large plates, each weighing more than 500 pounds and bearing the names of more than 1,100 of the borough’s veterans from both World Wars and the Korean War.

The Brackenridge Improvement Group is covering nearly all of the work’s $12,000 to $13,000 cost with donations.

“For so many donations from so many different people all from all over this county is really awesome,” said Frank Svitek, master of ceremonies. “It just shows the appreciation and respect that veterans deserve.”

“The community came together to get it put back right, to make this memorial No. 1,” said Steve Hloznik, past commander of Tarentum VFW. “So, sometimes out of the ashes comes new growth, and we have a beautiful, beautiful monument that is dedicated to the men and women of this country who have served valiantly and, in some cases, gave their lives.”

Maureen Rieger Kolar said her dad’s name, Regis Rieger, is on the honor roll plaque for his service in Korea.

She couldn’t believe anyone would vandalize the memorial.

“Whoever did that — shame on them,” Kolar said.

Kolar commended the officials who came together to fix it.

“It was beautiful,” she said. “Brackenridge did a wonderful job.”

Joyce Schrag said she hopes people treat the memorial with more respect than the vandals.

“I hope (they) have cameras somewhere so that no one can do this again,” she said.

The ceremony included remarks from several local veterans, Tarentum Mayor Eric Carter and Brackenridge Councilman Dino Lopreiato, a reading of deceased comrades and remembrance of prisoners of war and soldiers still missing in action, among other things.

Carter spoke of the importance of knowing the true meaning of Memorial Day and the fact that so many people see the holiday as just the time people hold cookouts and start swimming.

“We, as a nation, need to continue to honor those that died protecting our freedom,” he said. “Still, today, we have troops situated in harm’s way. Many will come home, still many will not.”

Lopreiato said he spent the week reflecting on what Memorial Day means to him.

“I have a grandfather I never even got to meet because he died in World War II,” he said.

He said, although the holiday is only officially observed on one day of the year, it is the daily reality for many families who have lost a loved one.

“Memorial Day? This is a memorial life,” Lopreiato said. “We can’t forget them. Let’s not forget it’s not one day, it’s every second of people’s lives.”