New Liberty Boulevard Sign Unveiled
June 29, 2019 at 12:29 AM
Pictured left to right, American Legion Commander Dennis Knarr, Al Heberling, Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary Melissa Hrinya, Historical Society President Ruth Gregori, and Jack Hartzfeld.
DuBois Area Historical Society President Ruth Gregori and DuBois American Legion Montgomery Post #17 Commander Denny Knarr unveiled the new Liberty Boulevard sign in the DuBois City Park during a special ceremony on June 27.
The sign commemorates the 100thanniversary of the naming of Liberty Boulevard and honors the soldiers, sailors and marines returning from the World War of 1917-18. It also coincides with the 100thanniversary of the DuBois American Legion’s charter. The new sign was erected as a collaboration between the Society and Montgomery Post #17, who jointly financed the sign.
“Our hope is that people who stop to read the sign will reflect on the service of the men and women who served not only in World War I, but those men and women who have served since and those still serving to protect our freedom,” said Gregori.
Paul Sprague, past commander of the DuBois American Legion, initially brought the idea of a sign to the Society’s attention. Sprague and Gregori next met with DuBois City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio, City Engineer Chris Nasuti and Public Works Superintendent Ron Cloak to discuss the sign’s placement. DuBois City Council approved the location of the sign.
Local artist Marianne Fyda designed the image on the top of the sign. Sewah Signs of Ohio produced the sign and Sekula Sign of DuBois and city workers erected the sign.
The sign reads:
“On June 6, 1919 Ordinance No. 224 was passed by DuBois City Council to rename the section of N. Brady St. from the south end of Memorial Bridge to Park Place as Liberty Boulevard in honor of the soldiers, sailors and marines who fought in the World War of 1917-1918. Dedicated June 2019 in honor and remembrance of those who served. Sponsored by the DuBois Area Historical Society and the DuBois American Legion Post #17 Family.”