6 hours Ago By Evan Brandt
UPPER POTTSGROVE — As plans for a veterans memorial at Heather Place Park continue to move forward, some Pottsgrove School District students were recently recognized for the help they provided. Organizer Dennis Elliott, a Navy veteran, said he wanted to include the students in the planning for the project, and so he asked students at Pottsgrove Middle School to suggest wording for what the memorial should say. He got nearly 20 responses.
“I have to tell you, they were all so good, I couldn’t pick just one,” Elliott said recently, “so I used some of all of them.” The memorial, which is being crafted by Gofus Memorials on North Charlotte Street, will contain an image of an American flag, and a headline that reads “For God and Country.” Beneath that will read the following: “We don’t know them all, but we can owe them all.
All for their courage, bravery and devotion to America.” The next line reads “For those who received so little for which they gave so much, the full measure of their lives.” Along the base of the memorial, the words “Gone but not forgotten” will be engraved in large letters, and beneath that, in smaller letters, the phrase “May God grant their souls with eternal peace and rest” will be engraved.
On the rear of the stone, facing Route 100, will be carved “Upper Pottsgrove TWP Veterans Memorial. Thank You for Your Service.” During the Nov.
12 meeting of the Pottsgrove School Board, the participating students were recognized. They are: Sophie Colloton, Ella Cook, Madison Diehl, Elena Dimarzio, Elias Fox, Alexa Foyle, Morgan Gray, Gabriella Groff, Ella Hively, Arabella Kushner, Kyra Lang, Alexandra Moon, Jarel Phinnessee, Nicholas Rowe, Kareen Srour, Lucas Stetler, Mason Van Bramer, Madelyn Wages, Zoe Yeboah. During the ceremony, a statement from state Rep.
Donna Scheuren, who was in session in Harrisburg and could not attend, but who sent along certificates of commendation for each of the students, was read. “Thank you to all those who have had a hand in seeing this project through to its fruition. One name in particular, Mr.
Dennis Elliott, whose steadfast commitment to this project never wavered. He is to be commended for keeping this mission in the hearts and minds of us all until completion,” Scheuren’s statement read. “These young students, who were only in eighth grade at the time, have demonstrated great patriotism and love for their country, as did the very veterans they are honoring.
The sentiments of these students will forever be etched into stone, which is a joy upon itself. Their words will forever pay tribute to the brave veterans that have fought so hard, and sacrificed so much, in protecting our country,” Scheuren wrote. “As the daughter of a Marine, and someone that has enjoyed a life of freedom and opportunity, honoring and thanking our veterans is one of the most important things I feel we all can do.
To all the thoughtful students, I’m sure your families are very proud of each of you for taking the time to express your gratitude to the veterans in a very personal way. I sincerely hope that the patriotic spirit you have shown in these inscriptions is just the beginning, and that your patriotism for this country will only strengthen throughout your lifetime.” Fundraising for the memorial and its surroundings continue.
In order for them to be tax deductible, they are being collected by the Greater Pottstown Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the Upper Pottsgrove Veterans Memorial Fund care of the Greater Pottstown Foundation, 934 High St., Box 696, Pottstown, PA 19464.
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