MAZEPPA, Pa. — Around two dozen people gathered outside Mazeppa Union Church on Friday to pay tribute to Sergeant Edward Shannon.
Sgt. Shannon enlisted in the United States Army in 1914 and was deployed to Europe in 1918 to fight against the Central Powers in World War I.
On September 28, 1918, Sgt. Shannon was killed in combat in France.
"It dawned on me that it's a dirty shame that after all these years—Ed's been gone for over 100 years—and nothing has been done yet to honor him in any way, shape, or form," Doug Walter said.
Walter grew up in Mazeppa and refers to Sgt. Shannon as a hometown hero. Walter had the idea to dedicate a section of a roadway to Shannon. Now, a portion of Johnson Mill Road in Mazeppa will be known as Sgt. Edward Shannon Highway.
"I thought somebody just did some type of project, something local. I didn't realize it was going to the state level to name a whole part of a highway after him until just recently," said Edward Shannon, the sergeant's great-nephew.
Sgt. Shannon's family was at the dedication. His great-nephew is also named Edward and says the event was a pleasant surprise for his family.
"I learned a little bit more about my family and how involved they were here in Mazeppa," Shannon said.
"It's absolutely wonderful to be able to give back to your hometown. It really is. So many wonderful memories here," Walter said.
PennDOT installed the sign right after the ceremony.