New monument honors war veterans

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - A groundbreaking ceremony to honor the war dead and the survivors of war.

Chairman of the Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial Commission, David Fabrizio has spent the last three years working to establish a veterans memorial at Hyde Park in Niagara Falls, and finally, progress.

Fabrizio said, "There's a certain feeling going through me that we actually got to this point in the project."

The purpose of the $3.4 million dollar monument is to honor two groups of veterans.

"The residence for the City of Niagara Falls, who gave their life in battle, we memorialize them and all the veterans who served this country," he explained.

Brigadier General Frank Cipolla explained, "I'm always for the soldier. They're breaking ground for soldiers because if you haven't been in the military, you don't know what its like to be there in the Middle East, doing the things we do."

You didn't have to be dressed in uniform to appreciate the significance of the event.

"It takes a lot of courage to give their lives up and go out and give their lives and fight for us and it's an honorable job," Cipolla exclaimed.

"We couldn't honor our veterans enough. I don't think we do a lot. Don't think we do enough. A lot of younger folks should get involved," he said.

Before the ground breaking ceremony, dozens of young people participated in the Memorial Day parade.

They excitedly strolled down Pine Street in the Falls, celebrating what it means to be free. And remembering the sacrifices so many made to make this day possible.

The Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial Commission hopes the monument will be complete by November of 2010.

They are now accepting applications for names to go on the Wall of Honor.

The cost is $125 dollars pre-construction and $175 post construction. Applications can be secured by contacting the Falls Veterans Memorial Commission at 716-680-2494 or 716-930-0583