The phrase "Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance" is etched into a stone slab at Bethel Park's veterans' memorial.

Saturday, about 30 people gathered outside the Bethel Park municipal building to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the memorial and remember local veterans' sacrifices.

The memorial was dedicated Oct. 30, 1999 by the Veterans Memorial Committee. Some 3,500 names are etched into stone slabs that stand outside the municipal building and stars adorn the names of 40 veterans who died in line of duty. Names listed go back as far as the Revolutionary War and show that Bethel Park residents served in every armed conflict in U.S. history. The memorial cost approximately $150,000. $100,000 was raised in cash donations and the rest was paid for with state grants and donations. $10,000 has been spent this year on upkeep, including new lights and flags.

Carl Roell, a Marine, served for 13 months during the Korean War. His name adorns one of the slabs.

"I don't know any others [on the memorial], but to me, they're all brothers," Mr. Roell said.

The anniversary celebration, which lasted an hour, was marked by speeches by Bethel Park councilmen and state representatives, military songs, and a flyover by a four-engine military transport plane. The Rev. Daniel Valentine, a former Navy chaplain assigned to the Marine Corps, was the official guest speaker.

Father Valentine, 61, a native of Bethel Park who serves St. James Parish in Sewickley, spoke at the memorial's dedication in 1999. His speech Saturday recalled John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural address.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty," he said, quoting Mr. Kennedy.

Father Valentine was in seminary during the Vietnam War. Despite knowing some his age were brought back in body bags, he swore he'd "help the country," and at age 35, he went to boot camp and spent the next five years in the military.

"Where'd that come from? Here -- my hometown, my upbringing," he said.

A recurring theme in nearly every speech given Saturday was the "unique bond" Bethel Park has with its veterans. State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, called the memorial a "manifestation" of that bond. State Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair, who organized the flyover, said the community was "better for having this perpetual memorial." County Councilman Vince Gastgeb called the memorial a "treasured spot" in Bethel Park.

Ed Hanke, 67, of Bethel Park served in Vietnam "for 11 months and one week."

"It's kind of special [Father Valentine] came back here and feels that hometown connection after all his wanderings all over the world. It shows how much Bethel Park means to so many of its residents."

Mr. Hanke's son, Louis, also attended the ceremony. He moved to Bethel Park from Albuquerque, N.M., a week ago and was impressed by what he saw.

"When Bethel Park or Pittsburgh goes out to honor vets, they go all out," he said.

John W. Opferman, 66, of West Mifflin, attended with his wife and sister. Mr. Opferman served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. His father, John V. Opferman, served in the Army during World War II. The memorial holds both their names.

How did he feel about the ceremony?

"I'm very proud. I'm a Bethel boy," he said.

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