HANOVER TOWNSHIP -- Police cited two drivers involved in a crash that sent a pickup truck flying into an American Legion building last year near Wilkes-Barre. Now, members of that Legion post are starting to rebuild.
Members of American Legion Post 609 in Hanover Township spent Veterans Day in 2015 cleaning up the damage after police say the driver of a car clipped a pickup truck on West Saint Mary's Road.
The truck then plowed through a plaque before crashing into the building's front entrance. The plaque read "in memory of all veterans who served this country in time of war."
Sam Sherwood was there when it happened. He says it was devastating to learn the plaque would have to be taken down for months until the Legion could talk to the insurance companies of the two drivers involved in the crash about getting money for the repairs.
"We got it all fixed up after a battle with the insurance companies," said American Legion vice president Frank Prest.
The plaque was recently reinstalled. It now stands tall, surrounded by bricks and is also symbolically shielded by a row of American flags.
"They stand for a reason they, our veterans, are the most important people in this country, as far as protecting our freedom," said Prest.
The plaque has a special meaning to Sherwood, whose dad served in the military.
"It means that our veterans are welcomed and appreciated."
Both of the drivers involved in that crash faced stop sign and other driving violations. Now, the American Legion in Hanover Township plans to dedicate the plaque this coming Veterans Day in November.
