In honor of those who give to our country and community, Greene County will be hosting Tribute to Heroes on October 12-16, 2022 at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg, PA. The event will highlight active military personnel, veterans and first responders over five days.
The centerpiece of Tribute to Heroes will be the Cost of Freedom Tribute by American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT). The traveling tribute features exhibits from World War I to present day, including a 9/11 Tribute. The tribute includes an 80% replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
“The opportunity to unite our community by recognizing first responders alongside our active military personnel and veterans is an important message to convey,” said Don Martin, veteran and committee member.
The original concept for the Tribute to Heroes originated with former Waynesburg resident, Rick Black. As a Vietnam War veteran, Black spearheaded the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall project in 2017. When the memorial arrived in Greene County for the first time, the five-day event turned into one of the County’s largest, attracting attendance of over 10,000. The success and support of the united community led to the construction of the Greene County Veterans Memorial Park which has hosted ceremonies of commemoration and honor since its dedication in May 2021. He also co-organized the Korean Traveling Memorial in 2019 and collaborated with local school districts for Veterans Day Programs to assist in teaching and inspiring children.
Prior to the pandemic, Black had started working towards an event and traveling tribute that would include first responders with active military personnel and veterans. After his death on September 23, 2021, several individuals alongside his family decided to complete his vision and see the Cost of Freedom Tribute arrive in Greene County with the Tribute to Heroes.
“Rick’s love for our country and dedication to Greene County and Veterans was admirable and contagious,” said Stacey Marshall, daughter of Rick Black. “Although he is not with us, his spirit continues to unite our community.”
Plans in development for the event in October include an arrival escort, opening and closing ceremonies, recognition opportunities, and a community day to honor our active military personnel, veterans and first responders.
In addition to the October event, the committee is asking for assistance in designing our volunteer t-shirt that represents your vision of “Tribute to Heroes” with a T-shirt contest. The contest is open to residents of all ages living in Greene County and entries are due July 31, 2022. The winner will receive a $250 prize and their design printed on volunteer T-shirts. Entries may be emailed to the committee at greenecountytribute@gmail.com or mailed to Greene County Department of Emergency Services, 55 W Greene St, Waynesburg, PA 15370.
Financial support from First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Greene County helped secure the dates for the traveling tribute with support from the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793, the Auxiliary and the Cooties. Additional sponsors include Fox Ford of Waynesburg, EQT Corporation, WVU Medicine and Community Bank.
The Greene County Tribute to Heroes committee consists of volunteers representing veterans, first responders and community members organized under the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793. The committee was first organized in the fall of 2021 to continue bringing Rick Black’s event to Greene County and southwestern Pennsylvania. Those interested in volunteering with the committee or sponsoring the event are welcome to contact us through Facebook @GreeneCountyTribute or email the committee at greenecountytribute@gmail.com.