A group of Merchant Marines from Butler and Lawrence counties have reached their fundraising goal to pay for a monument recognizing their efforts during World War II. The 4-foot-tall monument, which costs more than $5,700, will be placed next to the existing World War II memorial in Diamond Park in Butler. The Butler/Lawrence Chapter of World War II American Merchant Marines will have a ceremony on Memorial Day to commemorate the monument. Walter Luikart, 84, of New Castle, the president of the Butler/Lawrence chapter, said the group still is accepting donations for the beautification of the area around the new monument.
