Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Lighting Brings New Energy Downtown
(Allentown, PA)– Lehigh County partnered with the City of Allentown and ANIZDA to bring new life and light to one of city’s most historic landmarks. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Allentown’s 119-year-old memorial to Civil War veterans will be illuminated with a new modern lighting system.
A special thanks is extended to City Center’s design and development team for their assistance in the execution of this project.
The lighting ceremony falls 13 days before the anniversary of the monument’s dedication on October 19th, 1899. The date of the dedication ceremony holds special significance, because it’s the anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek where the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment fought.
The monument’s features include a box holding a cannonball from the Battle of Bull Run, and soldier’s arm in arm with the words “One Flag, One Country” inscribed underneath. Its completion and dedication served as a symbol of national reunification in a nation and region that was deeply divided.
The significance of the monument was best captured by then Lehigh County Solicitor and former Congressman C.J. Erdman who said the monument was “an enduring tribute to the valor and patriotism of our soldiers so that the memory of great and mighty deeds may never fade.”
The itinerary for the lighting ceremony is as follows:
Saturday, October 6th
6:15PM-6:45 PM: Ceremony begins in front of Johnny’s Bagels, and will feature the National Anthem performed by local high school choir.
Lehigh County Director of Administration Ed Hozza will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, and speakers will include Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong, State Senator Pat Browne, State Representative Peter Schweyer and Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell. Joseph Zeller, a Navy Veteran of World War II and the Korean War, former Emmaus Mayor and State Representative will be recognized.
8:50 PM: Following the 2nd period of Lehigh Valley Phantoms game, a ceremonial lighting will be held on the ice, during the break in the game. The lighting will be displayed on the arena jumbotron. Those present will include: Phillips Armstrong, Ray O’Connell, Pat Browne and Peter Schweyer.
Information provided to TVL by:
Joshua Siegel
Public Information Officer
County of Lehigh, Office of the County Executive
17 S. 7th Street, 4th Floor, Suite 436
Allentown, PA 18101
www.lehighcounty.org
