Pennsylvania town pulls together to restore memorial Sherman tank.
In 1959, a small plaza was constructed in the city park of Monessen, Pa., to receive a World War II Sherman tank that local VFW Post 1190 had obtained. It became a community memorial to those who fought and died in the war.
In the intervening decades, as Thomas McKee American Legion Post 28 Commander Ron Chromulak put it at an Oct. 25 veterans appreciation luncheon, “it has been painted, repainted, vandalized and repainted over and over again.” It was past time to restore the memorial, a project that became a full community effort of individuals, businesses and VSOs.
The goals were to restore the original wartime appearance of the tank – down to the official paint color and stencil markings – and repair structural damage or corrosion on the site. Chromulak, the chairman of the memorial’s trust, started by soliciting for bids and donations. It started slowly, but picked up momentum as word got out, especially via the local Mon Valley Independent via stories on the progress and photos of donors.
The fundraising goal was $16,510. “Some said, ‘you will never raise the money,’” Chromulak said. “’This is Monessen, not New York City.’ But we kept looking and found several companies who were closer to what we had anticipated it would cost.” The local Sherwin-Williams offered to donate the paint and other supplies; Evans Graphics made, donated and put up the signage. By George Restaurant gave a check for $2,600 and the proceeds of a donation can on display; the Monessen Public Library also put out a donation can. The owners of Alumicore donated $10,000. Checks came in the mail, and even from Chromulak’s past – some longtime friends informed him that their Monessen Class of 1960 intended to donate $5,000, including for a bronze plaque for the plaza.
The restoration began in August and was completed in October, with the addition of solar lighting and a security camera – also donated. The city repaired the plaza. Chromulak summed up the project at the luncheon: “The Monessen WWII Sherman Tank Memorial is now also a piece of art thanks to all these generous and patriotic people who cared enough to preserve the memory and to honor those brave souls who fought in World War II, and for those who made the supreme sacrifice, so we could maintain our freedom.”
- Honor & Remembrance