The Soldier’s Cross design of boots, rifle and helmet is a symbol of sacrifice, honor and respect for hose who have given all in service to their country.

Last fall, George Turak came to West Nottingham Township to talk about the possibility of the Mount American Foundation donating a Soldiers Cross memorial to the township for placement in a park. West Nottingham Township is one of five member municipalities that make up the Oxford Area Recreation Authority (OARA) and West Nottingham Township Supervisors  thought it was only fitting to suggest a home for the memorial in the Recreation Authority park.

The OARA thanked the following organizations for partnering with the Mount America Foundation on the Soldier’s Cross Memorial: Elk Township; West Nottingham Township; Robert E. Hanrahan, Sr. USN Seaman 1/C; Houser's Family Auto Center; Jeff D'Ambrosio Chevrolet; AG Industrial; The Louis R. Laskey Family; Alger Oil, Inc.; V.F.W. Post 475, J. Allison O'Daniel; Oxford Marble and Granite; and Fraternal Order of Eagles 2666. 

For the dedication ceremonies, V.F.W. Post 475 . Allison O’Daniel provided an honor guard and a 21-gun salute. The event also included an invocation, a reading of “A Soldier’s Prayer” by Col. Lewis L. Millett, Medal of Honor recipient, July 15, 1951 and the playing of “Taps.”

Gold Star families, donors, veterans, and anyone else who would like to honor the memory of service member were invited to ring the helmet and speak the name of the service member.  

“I think having the Soldier’s Cross means a lot to the community and it means a lot to the park because we’re a small park and we don’t have anything like this,” Authority Board Chairman Chip Benke said. “The setting is just perfect.”