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PITTSTON — One thing in particular popped into Michael Lombardo’s mind when asked about the statue of President John F. Kennedy to be unveiled in the city Sunday.
Pittston’s former mayor couldn’t help but think of a quote from Kennedy’s inaugural speech in January 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
That selfless way of thinking — embraced by the many volunteers who helped plan and fundraise for nearly two years — is what finally made the statue a reality.
The life-sized, 375-pound cast bronze piece was installed in the city Friday at the intersection of Water Street and Kennedy Boulevard.
A dedication ceremony — where the statue will be uncovered for public view — will be held 2 p.m. Sunday with remarks from state Judge Joseph M. Cosgrove, a Pittston native; Pittston City Mayor Jason Klush; and the Rev. Thomas Petro of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Dupont. Parts of the streets will be closed for the dedication.
Lombardo, also a member of the JFK Statue Committee, said some community leaders wanted a statue back when Kennedy Boulevard was originally constructed.
“That’s been looming out there as sort of an unfulfilled desire,” he said.
Lombardo noted Kennedy has a real link to Pittston as well. He stopped in the city while campaigning for president against Richard Nixon in the fall of 1960.
“For people who were around at that point, it was significant, and they always talk about that,” he said of the candidate’s historic visit to the Wyoming Valley.
Brian Matyjevich, another Statue Committee member, said the renewed push for the monument started in October 2015, when one member of the Knights of Columbus JFK Chapter said the group always wanted a statue on Kennedy Boulevard and to rename the street John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
“The wheels started turning, and we ran with it,” Matyjevich said.
The statue was constructed by sculptor Dee Jay Bawden of Provo, Utah, who said it took months to complete — four months for the head, three months for the body and one month for minor refinements. Bawden was commissioned by Matyjevich.
“I found Dee Jay through some Internet research and found some of his great work,” Matyjevich said. “I contacted him and he had some good stories about some statues he’s done.”
Lombardo explained the city is trying to do more for arts and culture, and the statue was part of that effort.
“Each time we do one of these projects, you get sort of a glimpse at the essence of our community and its values and history,” he said.
Lombardo singled out two public works employees, Bruce Widdick and Ike Whispell, who went above and beyond their job descriptions to help get the project done.
Lombardo also mentioned Ray Lauer, owner of Midway Garden Center, who stopped to help with the landscaping after a long day of work and donated all of the top soil.
Fundraising for the monument yielded more than $25,000, which was enough for the statue, a plaque to commemorate contributors, landscaping and a concrete platform.
“Every time I drive by the statue, in addition to the beautiful artistic work and reflecting on the president, what sticks out in my mind more is all of the people that have stepped up to get this thing done,” Lombardo beamed.