Blawnox War Memorial upgraded with new bricks to honor veterans

New military veteran bricks have been added to the War Memorial in Blawnox in time for the borough’s Memorial Day parade and service.

The bricks have the name of a soldier, military branch, service years and, if space allowed, commendations such as a Purple Heart and other medals.

About 30 have been installed so far with more expected after the May 27 holiday.

It is part of a project from the Blawnox Centennial Committee and spearheaded by former Councilman John Simmons.

“The memorial has been power-washed, the old brick removed and the new brick along with the memorial bricks are in place,” Simmons said via email May 3. “The new look is more than what we had hoped for.”

Located at the intersection of Freeport Road and North Avenue, the memorial was established in 1991.

Its inscription reads: “Dedicated to the men and women of this community who served in all wars.”

However, the committee said the names of those memorialized are from World War I.

Simmons and several others wanted to do something to recognize everyone from Blawnox who fought for their country.

The committee was able to get 4,400 bricks donated by Building Products of Sharpsburg and labor donated by Overbeck’s Nursery & Landscaping in Blawnox.

The committee also partnered with Bricks R Us of Miami to have the bricks engraved. The cost is $100 per brick and many spots are still available.

One of the new bricks was installed in memory of borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz’s father, the late William Vitari.

He served in the Navy during World War II.

“It’s emotional for me,” Ulanowicz said of the experience. “My family was very excited about it. Quite a few of the people that have (military) banners in the borough also bought bricks.”

Blawnox is one of many Allegheny County communities that have a banner program to honor present and past military service men and women. The banners feature a photo of the soldier, along with other information such as branch and years served.

Simmons thanked the Overbeck crews for their outstanding work at the memorial.

Service planned

Blawnox’s Memorial Day parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. May 27 from the Sunoco gas station along Freeport Road.

The parade will continue down the main road to the memorial where Mayor Anthony Gross, council President Deborah Laskey, state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, and state Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-West View, will speak.

Light refreshments will be provided. Veterans and groups that want to march in the parade can call the borough office at 412-828-4141.

Katie Specht-Coban, borough councilwoman and committee member, said she is excited to see people’s reactions to the refurbished memorial.

“Our monument has received a face-lift,” she said. “Now our monument is sort of interactive where families can buy a brick and have their loved ones’ names forever remembered for their time served. This an important part. Our children should know about and understand what Memorial Day is all about.

“As a parent, when we get new things like this in town, I’d like it to be a learning experience so maybe children will ask questions and realize what their surroundings are and feel free to talk about things and express your opinions. Know your neighbors. It comes back to that again. Don’t be afraid to talk and speak up. Our town has some great history, and with the centennial coming we need to show our history, show who founded our cute little town.”

More information about the committee and how to get involved is available at blawnoxcentennial2025.com.