Community

Before and after monument updates

The New Cumberland Community Projects Committee recently made some updates to the monument located next to the Swaney Memorial Library on Court Street. The makeover began with the removal of old trees and brush behind the granite marker. A professional monument cleaning company cleaned the stone, and a new cement pad with stamped stones was added across the front. Along the back of the marker, three flag poles were added, and new wrought-iron fencing was installed on both sides of the monument. Additional fencing on top of the hill behind the memorial is scheduled for spring. Permanent dusk-to-dawn lighting also was added. Money for the project came from a grant from the Pugliese Charitable Foundation and a donation from the state that was delivered to the committee by state Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke. The monument was dedicated on Nov. 11, 1957, and was paid for by local citizens through a fundraising campaign. Although the ceremony to acknowledge the improvements was canceled due to rain, the committee still added a wreath, two floral decorations and six small flags with military medallions to honor local veterans. Additional updates are planned for the spring.