Display recognizing Pittsburgh veterans unveiled on Boulevard of the Allies

A display featuring the images of Pittsburgh veterans who served from the Civil War through the present day now adorns a portion of the Boulevard of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Mayor Bill Peduto joined Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum on Monday to unveil the display in advance of the city’s Veterans Day Parade on Thursday and the 100th anniversary of the Boulevard of the Allies next year.

“Pittsburgh has an incredible history of service to the country,” Peduto said. “There is no better place to recognize these veterans than on the iconic Boulevard of the Allies.”

Peduto said those featured “span generations of American history and many individuals represent diverse groups who were pioneers for women and people of color in uniformed service.”

The roadway serves as a memorial to those who participated in the Allied victory in World War I. It was formally dedicated on Armistice Day — Nov. 11 — in 1922.

In addition to the recognition of the city’s veterans, the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure has illuminated the dedication pillars at Grant Street. Designed by local sculptor Frank Vittor, the pillars feature the allegorical figures of victory, strength and liberty. A ramp leading to the pillars features an inscription and the flags of the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Italy, Japan and the United States — the Principal Allied Powers.

“Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum is proud to collaborate with the city on this endeavor,” said Tim Neft, Soldiers & Soldiers’ vice president and director of museum education. “Our team has researched and selected 34 remarkable veterans from the Pittsburgh community.”

Each of the individuals featured in the Boulevard of the Allies display had also been inducted in the Joseph A. Dugan Jr. Hall of Valor at Soldiers & Sailors, which “honors veterans, living and deceased, for valor ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ while in action against the enemy,” Neft said.

They represent the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Naval Reserves.

“They truly represent the very best of our city,” he said.