Ask someone where the center of Newberry is, and chances are that they'll say it's the monument at the intersection of Arch and West Fourth streets in the city.
That place, known as monument square, is home to the Light of Liberty statue, which memorializes those who served in World War I.
The landmark was rededicated and celebrated Sunday with about 200 citizens and elected officials for its 90th anniversary.
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RASHELLE CAREY/Sun-Gazette
The Light of Liberty statue in Newberry, which memorializes those who served in World War I, was rededicated during a ceremony Sunday.
Built at a cost of $10,000 in 1922 - which is roughly $250,000 in today's dollars, according to Jeremiah Johnson, an adjunct art professor at Lycoming College - the monument originally was dedicated on May 30, 1922.
Leaders from the city, Old Lycoming Township and Woodward Township joined together and planned for two years to make the monument a reality.
"This is so much a symbol, but symbols are important," said state Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Williamsport.
He said the Light of Liberty monument helps to tell our area's heritage and history.
"You've probably driven by it hundreds of times or thousands of times," said Ken Sawyer, local radio personality and master of ceremonies for the event. "We're here today to remember. May we never forget those who have served ... to keep the light of liberty held up high."
The statue was created by Italian artist and sculptor Guiseppe Moretti, who emigrated to New York City in 1888. Johnson said Moretti, who was commissioned to do numerous World War I monuments, often worked in the neoclassical style, which depicted heroic and dramatic themes.
"He was very prolific," Johnson said of Moretti's work.
The statue first was molded in clay and then made to a plaster cast. The cast was broken once the final step of bronzing the statue took place, Johnson said.
"It was important to him to release an original piece wherever he went," he added.
Johnson said the monument - and those like it throughout cities across the country - help define public culture and create a sense of place and stability.
A 21-gun salute and taps ended the ceremony as a wreath was placed at the monument's base bearing the words "freedom is rarely free."
