Crumbling foundation being replaced at Harrison war memorial

Repairs are underway at the Harrison Honor Roll that stands at the center of town along Freeport Road.

The 77-year-old monument recognizes the township’s World War II veterans. The black granite memorial is etched with the names of nearly 2,000 servicemen.

On Wednesday, crews worked to pour a new concrete foundation at the site, which sits at the intersection of Freeport and Springhill roads.

“The old concrete base was in poor condition,” Commissioner Eric Bengel said.

Work should wrap up this week. Bengel did not provide the cost of the work.

Township Manager John Pallone did not return messages seeking comment.

Bengel said the township’s honor roll committee meets several times a year and is always looking for new members.

The next meeting will be 1 p.m. Aug. 19 at the municipal building.

The memorial dates back to October 1945 when it was unveiled as a project of the “Mothers and Wives of Servicemen of Harrison Township.”

Over the years, repairs have included new lighting and glass panels.

In 2020, 10 slabs of thick granite replaced the original glass panels where names were painted in gold leaf. Names were engraved to make them more readable and easier to preserve. Two benches were also placed at the memorial for visitors.