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Committee outlines comprehensive redesign of Wilmore War Memorial building; presentation highlights veterans database and displays
Summary
A citizen-led committee and veterans groups presented a plan to renovate the Wilmore Building (War Memorial Building) in Downtown Chester, proposing interior memorial walls, exterior statues and turf, digital archives and a Veterans Day ribbon-cutting; council previously allocated ARPA funds and the committee is seeking private contributions.
A committee of veterans and community volunteers presented a multi-part plan to renovate the War Memorial (Wilmore) Building in Downtown Chester, proposing new interior memorial spaces, exterior improvements, statues, and a digital archive to preserve local veterans' histories.
Major General (Ret.) Wade “Hemp” McManus and project manager Harold Hayes detailed elements intended to make the memorial more visible and to preserve veterans' records and stories. The committee emphasized the project's dual goals: creating a reverent physical memorial and digitizing artifacts, documents and oral histories for long-term access.
Planned exterior changes include new turf around the flagpole, exterior lighting and standing-soldier statues flanking the main doors to create a ceremonial approach. Inside, the committee proposed a secured memorial room created by a new interior wall and glass storefront that would not interfere with the building's continued use for events or voter activities. Key interior elements described:
- Relithographing the existing marble/granite wall that lists World War I and World War II casualties to improve legibility and add protective coating. - New walls to honor Vietnam, the Korean War and the Global War on Terror, with room to add future conflicts and names. - Two kneeling soldier statues and additional standing statues to frame the memorial area and create a reverent approach and exit sequence. - A scroll of valor and a POW (prisoner-of-war) roll; presenters said their research identified 19 Chester County WWII POWs whose names would be included. - “War windows” — interchangeable graphic panels and collages in window openings so exhibitions can be rotated. - A standing monitor and website to host scanned documents, photographs and oral histories in a searchable Chester County veterans digital archive.
Presenters said the project is intended “by the community for the community.” They noted the county previously voted to allocate a portion of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds toward the project and that the committee is seeking private donations and sponsorships to complete elements. Staff indicated they are also exploring CPST funds and developer contributions as possible match sources for grants.
The committee proposed a ribbon-cutting on Veterans Day once work is complete. Speakers urged ongoing public participation: scanning family documents and contributing stories to the planned digital archive. Council thanked the committee for the presentation and expressed support; no formal vote was required or taken on the design at this meeting.
