Gabe Fieni’s mission to honor World War II veterans is becoming a reality.

Fieni has secured pledges of more than $60,000 in labor and materials to construct the memorial in Pottstown Memorial Park.

Now, he’s spearheading the effort to raise the remaining $52,000 needed and to organize volunteer labor for the finishing touches.

The memorial will honor area men and women who served in World War II. Universal Concrete Products of Stowe will supply the bulk of the needed materials to build walls nearly 9-feet tall with two 9-foot piers.Other businesses making substantial donations of materials and labor are Rinox Pavers, J.O.B. Design & Construction Inc., and Paul L. Buckwalter & Sons Excavating Inc.Two other companies that work with Universal — Raser Industries Inc. of Reading and Hawk Construction Products of Downingtown and Pottstown — will help with the installation.John O’Boyle, president of Pottstown-based J.O.B. Design & Construction Inc., will be donating time and services as general contractor for the World War II Memorial.

Additionally, Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Co., Lodge 507, Bechtelsville, will donate a 25-foot flag pole and a 5- by- 8-foot American flag.Another $50,000 in donations is needed to complete the project, according to Fieni. Individuals may contribute to the World War II Memorial at Memorial Park by sponsoring one of 3,900 bronze plaques for $25 per line. Businesses may sponsor plaques for $50 per line.

“By contributing with a name/message, you’re supporting 3,900 men and women from the Pottstown area that sacrificed and served our country with honor so we can enjoy our freedom,” Fieni said in a letter seeking support. “We’ve come a long way … but we need another $50,000 to finalize the dream.”Fieni said placement of the memorial’s stone flooring may happen as soon as April. “We need volunteers to lay pavers,” Fieni said.Fieni, who served in Europe during World War II and participated in D-Day, explained some of the memorial’s detail. It will contain “a history of war in the Pacific, and on the other side, the story of people who worked on the home front.”

Pictures of Gen. Dwight Eisenhower and Gen. Douglas MacArthur will adorn the structure as well.Fieni’s persistence has convinced businesses and individuals to get on board with this project.His vision to create a permanent memorial during his lifetime to the men and women who served in World War II is close to becoming a reality.
To learn more about the memorial or to make a donation, visit http://www.ww2potts.com/