A monument to preserve the military history of our area will be the latest addition to the Lehighton Veterans Memorial Park.

Borough council on a 6-0 vote Sept. 13 approved a request by the Lehighton United Veterans Organization for a proposed monument to honor POW/MIA.

Kevin Long, commander, and Dave Breyfogle, vice commander of the Lehighton UVO, approached council with the concept.

The group said they have a memorial plaque from the original Gnaden Huetten Hospital which it would like to incorporate on a monument down at the park.

Long noted that Gnaden Huetten Hospital was a memorial for all veterans who were killed in World War II, and added they’d like to have the monument in place for Pearl Harbor Day, as this year marks the 80th anniversary.

Incorporated by Breyfogle, he wants to put a soldier’s cross which consists of an inverted rifle with a helmet on and boots to signify a soldier who has departed, and to also incorporate a remembrance for POWs and MIAs.

Council thanked the UVO for the initiative, which was in turn reciprocated by Long and Breyfogle concerning the UVO’s gratitude toward council.

“They are so supportive of the veterans and our cause,” Long said after the meeting. “We’re so thankful to have that piece of ground to place a memorial for people to come and see and reflect.