Matthews Casts Kansas War Memorial Plaques

Matthews Bronze produced the cast bronze plaques that are the focal points of a war memorial in Salina, Kansas. This veterans' tribute was dedicated on June 5 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

Salina, Kansas War Memorial

The memorial consists of an eight-sided monolith. Each side features a cast bronze plaque, which measures 90" high by 52" at the widest point, and weighs approximately 650 pounds. Panels are dedicated to the five branches of the military including the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. The design also includes a special POW-MIA plaque as well as panels that feature the Great Seal of Kansas and the War Office seal. The monument is crowned with a life-sized bronze eagle that symbolizes freedom.

Richard Bergen, owner of the Kansas-based Bergen Sculpture Studio, designed and ordered the bronze plaques. Bergen personally transported them from Matthews' Pittsburgh plant to Kansas, attaching a 6,000-pound trailer to a one-ton pick-up truck.

During his visit to the plant, Bergen had an opportunity to meet many of the employees who had a role in the creation of the bronze plaques.

"Everyday we produce memorials and architectural plaques for customers whom we never meet," remarked Greg Slepecki, manufacturing manager. "It was rewarding to witness Mr. Bergen's delight with the products."