Ceremony Held To Dedicate Alle Kiski Valley Vietnam Memorial

LOWER BURRELL (KDKA) - The United States government records show more than 58,000 military members were killed in Vietnam.

More than 100 of them came from the Alle Kiski Valley. A three-piece monument was put in place in the middle of May.

This weekend, the folks of Lower Burrell dedicated a moment to the men who gave their lives.

Hundreds paused to remember the 108 lives lost by veterans from the Alle Kiski Valley between1959-75 in Vietnam.

"Thank you to our veterans. Thank you to those who have served our country giving two years, four years, or eight years, or 20 years or longer of your lives to keep us safe and to allow us to live in freedom," U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus said.

The chairman of the Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners was there -- not necessarily as an elected political figure -- but for as a retired colonel from the Marine Corps.

"As a Vietnam veteran, I remember the turmoil and strife of the 1960's. It was the catalyst that pushed me into the crucible that formed my life," Col. Charles Anderson said.

The dedication was surrounded by full military pageantry to remember the fallen, POWs and those missing in action, but as much as anything, it was a way to never forget their sacrifice.

"When I first [saw] this monument, tears came for all those who were named and an overwhelming sense of love for my brothers who are now given a well-deserved place of honor in our community," Clair Ewing said.

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