Groundbreaking Held For Veterans Park In Upper St. Clair

UPPER ST. CLAIR (KDKA) -- A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday morning in Upper St. Clair for a new park dedicated to veterans.

It was an emotional and powerful day for veterans like Keera Dwulit as Upper St. Clair finally broke ground on the tribute park.

"I'm think of my friend Nicki Williams, right now figuring out how to tell her two daughters that their dad is deploying for the third time," said Dwulit. "That bravery and that sacrifice and that obligation to serve is what's honored here."

"I feel proud to be a veteran when I see something like this going on," added Art Massina, a veteran of the Air Force.

Ten years ago, Upper St Clair students raised $10,000 to honor veterans. That was the seed money that led to this project - a park that will recognize the seven branches of service.

"The monuments themselves will tell the stories of the various branches of service," said Tracey Taylor Perles, a community spokeperson.

Students, the ones who started this effort, will actually be able to come to the park and learn.

It's something Dwulit, an Army Veteran turned Social Studies teacher, is all for.

"For there to be a place to honor veterans, to bring us all together, to be proud Americans, there isn't anything better to be behind," said Dwulit.

Some money still needs to be raised, but they are hoping to dedicate park on Nov. 11, 2011, Veterans Day.

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