Keystone College Dedicates New Veterans Memorial

LaPlume, Lackawanna County - After two years of planning and fundraising, there is now a permanent place for a veterans memorial at Keystone College in Lackawanna County.

Dozens of people, including many students involved in the military, turned out for a dedication ceremony Tuesday morning.

The idea for the memorial started when several students were on their way to a veterans conference in another part of the state. The students thought it was only fitting that there should be a place to honor military members of the past and those who are currently serving.

"It's just amazing because you dream a lot but the dreams don't always come true and this is one dream that did come rue for us," SGT Rebekah Hasselman said.

For many students, the memorial hits close to home. Many are active servicemembers.

"I grew up in this area and my family was in the military and I really wanted to follow in their footsteps so to have this kind of monument on the property, real close to where I used to live really means a lot to me," SGT Jason Browning said.

The new memorial was specifically placed in front of Harris Hall, the oldest building on campus.

The first students of the college were veterans of the Civil War.

Money for the memorial was raised by members of the college's Armed Forces Club and members of the community.

"I've sold so many things, people probably never want to talk to me again," Valissa Browning said. "Selling T-shirts, pierogies, hats so our local community has supported us to get this here."

The black granite memorial features logos of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard as well as the symbols of soldiers who have served as Prisoners of War or are Missing in Action.

Adjunct professor Bob Dietz is a Vietnam Veteran. He's happy those from the past are being honored with those currently serving.

"When I came back, you really didn't even talk about your experiences over there because there was very little support," Dietz said.