The Independence Township War Memorial Gazebo was created as a lasting tribute to the men and women who have served our nation.
The vision for the gazebo began when Independence Township applied for and was awarded a $25,000 American Spirit Grant through the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency, created to help commemorate America’s 250th Birthday. With a six percent Township match, the project moved forward in partnership with Bert C. Sider’s American Legion Post #643.
Built over the Township’s existing War Memorial, the gazebo provides a beautiful place for reflection, remembrance and community gatherings for generations to come. More than just a structure, the gazebo stands as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served our nation and provides a place where future generations can gather, remember and honor their legacy.
A Community Effort
The War Memorial Gazebo was made possible through the generosity and support of local businesses, organizations, families, individuals, volunteers and community supporters who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life.
Every contribution became part of something larger – a lasting tribute to the men and women who served our nation.
This gazebo belongs to the entire community. It is a lasting example of what can be accomplished when people come together for a purpose greater than themselves.
THOMAS JENNINGS
Chairman Supervisor,
Independence Township
An ambitious vision became a reality through persistence, generosity and community support.
Leadership & Fundraising
From the earliest stages of the project, Chairman Supervisor Thomas Jennings championed the vision for the War Memorial Gazebo and led the fundraising effort that helped make it possible.
He devoted countless hours to reaching out to businesses, organizations, families and individuals, sharing the vision and asking others to believe in what the gazebo could become.
His persistence and personal commitment helped turn an ambitious idea into a lasting community tribute.
Corporate Sponsors:
Range Resources
Breezy Heights
PA American Water
Washington Financial
Harshman CE Group
Jeffrey Associates
Blues Tree Service
Alex E. Paris Contracting Co.
Little A Town Arena
Huston Security Services
Cedar Grove Land Dev.
Stephenson Equipment, Inc.
Elemental Shelter Solutions
Brownlee Lumber & Supply
R&K Disposal Inc
Cypher & Cypher
Woltz & Wind Ford
Energy Transfer
G & D Erectors, Inc.
Adam Lewis Trucking
Sweat Law Offices
Farner Fire
A.G. Bevec, Inc.
CASE Power & Equipment
Scott’s Locksmith
Animal Control Services
AP Metal Sales LLC
Gasbarro Insurance
Scott’s Heating & Cooling
Individual & Family Sponsors:
AJ and Stella Cindrich Family
Andrew Donovan, In honor of Orrin G. Miller,
U.S. Army Air Forces, WWII, MIA/KIA,
Recipient 2 Purple Hearts
Jesse “Dan” Eakin & Family, in honor of
Staff Sgt. Jesse William “Bill” Eakin,
U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict
The Fusarelli, Takah, & Tarolli Families,
in honor of
SSG John A. Fusarelli, US Army
The Magon Family, in honor of
Staff Sergeant Raymond J. Magon,
U.S. Army, WWII
Jerome & Colleen Stefkovich,
in memory of
Staff Sgt. Albert P. Stefkovich
Stefkovich Funeral Home,
in honor of
Corporal Daniel Dunmore
Alan & Lori Midler, in honor of
Mike Yolch Jr.,
U.S. Army National Guard
Tom and Rosemary Jennings, in honor of
Master Sgt. Kyle Birch, U.S. Air Force
& Elaine Birch, U.S. Air Force
Tom Mucci & Terri Schubenski & Families,
in honor of
their Father, Private Levio Mucci, WWII
Sons Joseph & Ronald, honoring their father,
Dominic S. Mambu for his U.S. Naval service
during WWII
The Schubenski Family, in honor of
Sgt. William “Willie” Schubenski,
Korean War
The Bruner Family, in honor of
Specialist Kenneth Bruner, U.S. Army
The Cecchini, Midler & Clarkson Families, in honor of
Corporal Lee Cecchini, U.S. Army WWII
Dedication Ceremony Photos
September 26, 2026
