Lights are expected to be installed in spring to illuminate the American flag at the World War II monument in Pottstown’s Memorial Park.
In the last several years, most of the lights in front of the 2008 memorial that honors more than 3,000 World War II veterans from the Pottstown area have broken. Federal advisory rules call for illuminating flags at night.
Pottstown resident Cathy Paretti spearheaded the Veterans Island Project to raise money to buy lights and spruce up the memorials in the portion of the park known as “the island.” The group has raised about $2,000 for the effort.
In addition to the World War II monument, a Vietnam memorial was built in 1996 in the same portion of the park along Manatawny Creek. The Vietnam monument features a bronze soldier, a map of Vietnam and a marble base.
Michael A. Lenhart, the director of Pottstown’s parks and recreation department, said the priority was to install the new lights at the World War II memorial.
“It’s very important to respect the flag,” Lenhart said. “We have already ordered the new lights and plan to install them this spring. This is very good news for the borough.”
Growing up in a military family, Paretti said she developed respect for veterans. Her father, Charles Orlosky, was in the Army Air Corps in World War II.
As a child, Paretti said, she celebrated Memorial Day and July Fourth in Memorial Park, and she still enjoys walking in the park and seeing the memorials. She thanked all the donors, including Pottstown Hospital and the Pottstown Elks lodge.
In the next year, Paretti said, she plans to apply to the state to obtain a nonprofit status, which would help increase the donations.
“These monuments are nice tourist attractions,” Paretti said. “We hope to have the lights installed in time before the last light goes out.”
Contact Holly Herman: 610-371-5029 or hherman@readingeagle.com.
