Pa. Veterans’ Memorial to reopen at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery after repairs

The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery is ready to reopen to the public.

The memorial near Annville, Lebanon County, was closed on Oct. 7, 2022, for structural repairs.

It will reopen to the public on Monday.

“The memorial, which was dedicated in 2001, is nationally recognized as the largest veterans’ memorial located in any of the national cemeteries. It is made of concrete, granite, and stone,” the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said in a news release.

The department said the memorial structure was in “good condition but needed repairs and alterations to address areas of damage due to long-term exposure to the elements.

“Specific repairs included re-anchoring plaques, resetting existing pre-cast concrete, waterproofing walls, replacing flashing and upgrading drainage. Flagpoles and lighting have been added as new features to honor all services and traditions.”

Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the department, said they are happy it will be open in time for Veterans Day 2023.

“This memorial is a tribute to America’s veterans for their devotion, patriotism, selfless service and sacrifice on behalf of us all.

“We are thrilled to re-open it to the public in time for Veterans Day. I encourage everyone to visit this iconic structure and remember those who are part of our history and those who are presently serving.”

To help to preserve the memorial, donations can be made to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust online or by sending a check made payable to the “Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund” to DMVA Office for Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 9-26, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002. Donations can be made in honor, in memory or on behalf of someone.

The annual Veterans Day program is always held on the Sunday prior to Veterans Day. This year that is 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5.