Fall makeover for Monessen’s ‘lady liberty’

Jenn Codeluppi / Mon Valley Independent

The “Lady Liberty” statue at Monessen’s Eastgate War Memorial got a fall makeover Wednesday thanks to volunteers and donations. American Legion Post 28 Commander John A. Dudas and project manager Bill Manus are shown with painters Thomas Flook and Ryan Kent from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 57, Local 6. The painters volunteered their time to paint the statue and have done numerous painting projects for area veterans. Flook said it was an “honor to help the veterans because they have sacrificed so much for the community.” Supplies were furnished by Sherwin-Williams in Monessen. The Eastgate War Memorial was dedicated May 23, 1981, with a celebration that drew huge crowds to the city to watch the military parade and attend a reception. The memorial statue was moved from its former location in the Sixth Street Park to the Eastgate War Memorial area during its construction.