Pennsylvania’s Veterans’ Memorial soon reopening to the public following year of repairs

After almost a year of structural repairs, Indiantown Gap National Cemetery officials announced that the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial will reopen to the public on Oct. 2, 2023.

The memorial, which was dedicated in 2001, is nationally recognized as the largest veterans' memorial in any of the national cemeteries. The memorial was closed to the public in 2022.

"Its structure has been in good condition but needed repairs and alterations to address areas of damage due to long-term exposure to the elements," officials said in a news release Thursday. "Specific repairs included re-anchoring plaques, resetting existing pre-cast concrete, waterproofing walls, replacing flashing and upgrading drainage."

Flagpoles and lighting have also been added as new features to the memorial to help honor all services and traditions, officials added.

Funded by the state as a public improvement project, the renovations were estimated to cost $3.6 million. The memorial is made of concrete, granite and stone.

“This memorial is a tribute to America’s veterans for their devotion, patriotism, selfless service and sacrifice on behalf of us all,” Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said in a news release Thursday.“We are thrilled to re-open it to the public in time for Veterans Day.  I encourage everyone to visit this iconic structure and remember those who are part of our history and those who are presently serving.”

Memorial temporarily closed: Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial to be temporarily closed to public during renovations

The memorial is used for various ceremonies and services, including a service for Pfc. Donald Born before he was laid to rest in the cemetery in August 2022.

Born's unit was taking part in a defensive action near Chinju at the southern end of the Korean peninsula on July 30, 1950, when the North Korean People’s Army launched an attack.

He went missing during the battle and was never listed as a prisoner of war. The U.S. Department of Defense issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953.

But after 72 years and four burial sites, Born's remains were identified and finally sent home to his family and laid to rest.

Pfc. Donald Born's Service: 'To have them come home': Remains of Korean War soldier finally put to rest at the Gap

Officials said an ideal way to pay tribute to those who have served our country, while also helping to preserve the memorial, is to donate to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund.

All donations go toward the upkeep of the memorial such as landscaping, lighting and fountains as well as needed maintenance for structural and cosmetic components throughout the memorial.

Those wishing to donate to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust can find more information at www.pa.gov/dmva/donate.

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.

Pfc Born Identified: 'Final piece of the puzzle': Soldier identified 72 years after his death in the Korean War

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Pennsylvania’s Veterans’ Memorial reopening to the public in October