Veterans campaign to restore World War II tank memorial in Monessen City Park

MONESSEN, Pa. (KDKA) – Veterans in Westmoreland County are leading an initiative to restore a World War II tank memorial to honor those who served there and preserve their legacy for the future. The tank stood in Monessen City Park for more than 60 years and veterans say a renovation is long overdue.

It pains Ron Chromulak to look at the monument and see the condition it is in.

“This thing has suffered a lot of wear and tear,” Chromulak said. “The tank stands here in all its glory, but it looks like that shine has been taken away from it.”

It is in poor condition, with rust and chipped paint.

“It puts veterans in a bad light because it gives the impression that we are not doing anything to maintain these monuments, when in fact we are. It is just the lack of funds that is holding us back,” Chromulak said.

The veteran, who spent 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, is now commander of American Legion Post 28, and along with the local VFW, he and his comrades decided it was time to restore the monument they donated to the city in 1959.

“This is our patriotic duty,” Chromulak said.

Chromulak said they quickly realized they had to take the project into their own hands.

“When we asked the city about a renovation, they told us they didn’t have the funds or the manpower,” Chromulak said.

They have hired a company to repair the tank, but they need $16,500 to do it.

They are a quarter of the way there and Chromulak hopes to restore it by Veterans Day in November to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to preserve their history for future generations.

“We want it to look appropriate and be respectful, and we want it to honor these veterans,” Chromulak said.

If you would like to help, you can make a check payable to VFW Post 1190 or American Legion Post 28 with “TANK” in the memo line and send it to American Legion Post 28, PO Box 145, Monessen, PA 15062.