Westmoreland Review

A new memorial honoring Gold Star families is set to be established on the Pennsylvania Capitol grounds. This initiative, part of Act 145 of 2024, aims to provide a space for families who have lost loved ones in military service to gather and reflect. The memorial will feature four granite slabs with inscriptions and scenes representing homeland, family, patriotism, and sacrifice.

The Woody Williams Foundation, known for similar projects across the United States, designed the monument. Construction and maintenance costs will be covered by an agreement with the MI Charitable Foundation, ensuring no expense falls on taxpayers.

Hershel “Woody” Williams was a U.S. Marine awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Truman. His foundation's involvement highlights its ongoing commitment to honoring military families.

Act 145 is among several recent legislative measures supporting veterans. Other acts include creating a direct connection between a veterans registry and county Veterans Affairs offices (Act 71), allowing early school enrollment for children of military families (Act 24), securing in-state tuition for military families (Act 14), and excluding veterans' benefits from income eligibility considerations (Act 27).

Veterans can access assistance at district offices with certified veteran service officers available monthly in New Kensington and Washington Township/Export locations.

In related news, six new military-themed license plates are now available through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation under Act 60 of 2024. These plates honor various veteran groups and achievements.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has announced funding opportunities through the $1.16 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program aimed at expanding internet access across underserved areas in the state.

For more information on these initiatives or assistance with applications, residents can contact Representative Jill Cooper’s office.