By RICHARD FUNK [email protected]

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Phase one work has been completed at the Coaldale War Memorial, adjacent to the borough building.

Phase one of Coaldale's World War II Memorial has been completed and members of the borough's Veterans Memorial Committee and extending thanks to all those who supported the project with cash donations, supplies and volunteer efforts.

According to the committee, everyone is welcome to visit the site, adjacent to the municipal building. Included is the new World War II memorial wall, which contains the names of 1,335 people who served during the war. It also features lighting, benches, new fencing, and a memorial walk, with bricks inscribed with the names of veterans

Phase two of the project is now under way and Coaldale's own Susan Frendak is painting an 8 by 16 foot mural depicting the raising of the American flag atop Mount Surabachi, on Iwo Jima. The mural will honor all veterans of wars and it will be dedicated to Marine PFC John Katchak, the first Marine killed in action on Wake Island. In addition, the mural will also be dedicated to Marine Colonel Andy Hedash, one of the marines who raised the famous Iwo Jima flag; and Marine Colonel Bob Stoffey, Coaldale's most decorated hero.

William Gaddes, who designed the memorial, has completed the design of a memorial to women. This will be in the form of a wishing well and will contain eight black granite images of women in the military, those waiting at home and supporting their loved ones, and women who lost their sons, daughters or husbands. The photo of Mrs. Louis Nesterak, Coaldale's last surviving Gold Star Mother, will be inscribed on the memorial, for which funds are being solicited.

The committee plans to dedicate the monument on Memorial Day, 2008.

"Our memorial to women is unique," Gaddes said. "It will be a marvelous tribute to Gold Star mothers, wives, to women who have served and are serving, and to those who loved, waited and prayed for the safe return of their warriors."

According to Gaddes, memorial walls are planned to honor those who served during the Korean and Vietnam wars and names are being compiled at this time. Anybody who has a name the wish to have included in the columns should contact Steve Tentylo at 645-4016 or Augie Gulla at 645-2622.

The memorial and inscribed brick program is still under way and anyone can purchase an inscribed brick to honor a veteran or loved one. Contact Millie Flyzik at 645-9605 or Linda Miller at 645-6162 to order a brick. Several other memorial items are still available to honor loved ones and those interested should call the above numbers.

Donations are still being accepted and can be sent to: World War II Veterans Memorial Fund, C/O Coaldale Borough, P.S. Box 116, Coaldale, Pa. 18218.

The committee plans to dedicate the Iwo Jima mural on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11. The scheduled time is 1 p.m. at the Coaldale Borough Hall, on Third Street. Immediately after the short ceremony, a dinner will be held at Costello's Restaurant, Third and High streets.

Those interested in honoring the veterans and join in the breaking of bread among friends should contact any member of the committee.