By Bob Niedbala

Staff writer

niedbala@observer-reporter.com

CRUCIBLE - It was a special Memorial Day in Crucible as the community re-dedicated its honor roll, adding the names of 244 men and women who served this country in the armed forces following World War II.

Through speeches and song, with the laying of wreaths and the solemn playing of taps, the community joined to honor the men and women from Crucible who have offered their service to this nation.

The Crucible monument, re-built only about four years ago, honors the veterans of World War II.

Two new wings, dedicated Monday, honor the men and women who came after, including those who served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq.

"It was only fitting we put the rest of our veterans' names on this monument," said Leonard Udovich, chairman of the committee that built the monument and the new wings.

"These were our friends," Udovich said of those whose names are now inscribed on the stone. "We knew them all."

Before the ceremony, Vietnam veteran Ron Nopwasky, whose name is now listed on the monument, said he believes it's important people remember veterans and their sacrifices.

"I just hope as the generations go on people come up and look at this monument and recognize what it's for," he said.

Those whose names are inscribed in the stone made sacrifices to ensure this nation's freedoms. "Without them, you wouldn't have what you have now," Nopwasky said.

James Coode, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Beirut in 1982 and whose name is also now inscribed on one wing, said those who did the work on the monument did it well.

Pointing to the flags, bunting and flowers surrounding the well-maintained memorial, Coode said, "I'm very proud."

A committee of eight to 10 people formed several years ago to rebuild Crucible's old monument, which had fallen into disrepair.

"It was something that had to be done, so we got together and started talking," said Leona Block, a committee member.

The committee received assistance initially from Tom Shumaker, sergeant at arms for the American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania.

It began planning the new wings as soon as the main monument was completed in about 2004, Udovich said. For that part of the project, the committee received assistance from the Carmichaels American Legion Post, he said.

The monument and wings were accomplished with grants received through efforts of state Rep. Bill DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, and state Sen. J. Barry Stout, D-Bentleyville, Block said.

Glenn Toothman III also helped in providing free Memory Medallions to each veteran whose name appears on the monument. The small, steel-encased memory chips, which Toothman's company produces, can store text and images and can be affixed to the stone.

Committee members and several of Monday's speakers, also cited the importance of the work of Donald Sapic Jr. in making the project a reality. Sapic, the committee's former chairman, died in December.

Following the monument's formal dedication and military honors, several spoke of the importance of Memorial Day.

Stout said he could feel the "enthusiasm" of those in attendance and lauded the efforts of the committee in building the memorial. "For a small community this is outstanding," he said.

He urged everyone to accept the duty of passing on the heritage of honoring those who serve this country. "It's very important this be passed on to future generations." he said.

DeWeese praised Sapic for his work and determination. It is "fitting and proper" people remember those who have served and those who continue to serve, he said.

"We have legions and legions of men and women, battleship groups and airplane squadrons, twenty-four/ seven, making certain our national defense is vibrant and strong and unremitting," he said.

"When a soldier dies, a family is never the same and a community mourns," said Commissioner Pam Snyder.

"As we stand here today, memorializing the names on this monument, let us never forget the families who are never the same and the community that mourns.

"God bless all of our veterans, our fallen heroes and especially, today, Don Sapic," she said. "God bless all of you and the community of Crucible. God Bless America."

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