Traveling Tomb replica returns to Zelienople for America’s 250th anniversary
ZELIENOPLE — The borough welcomed the traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier back to the Four Corners Park for the Fourth of July weekend to commemorate every service member that has served the United States in its 250 years.
“It feels absolutely fantastic, but more so just because of the turnout we had this evening and the incredible people that we were able to get together,” Shanea Clancy, volunteer presenter at the opening ceremony said.
The traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a replica of the real monument in Arlington, Va. The monument, located in the Arlington National Cemetery, honors all the American service members who passed without their remains being identified.
Owned by the Americanism Committee of the Exchange Club of Rome, Ga., the replica tomb travels to towns all over the United States.
The town of Zelie is no stranger to the tomb, having hosted it during Independence Day in 2022 as well. Zelienople Historical Society board member Adel Fatur said the Exchange Club requested to return to the town for America250.
“They (the Exchange Club) called me last year and said of all the states they’ve been through, there’s been no town as patriotic and friendly as Zelienople,” Fatur said.
A welcome ceremony for the tomb’s arrival took place in the Four Corners Park on the eve before the Fourth of July. The ceremony included a Presentation of Colors and a 21-gun Salute by the American Legion Post 474.
Alongside other speakers, U.S. Mike Kelly, R-16th, Commissioner Kevin Boozel and former state representative Stephanie Scialabba spoke to the importance of the tomb. Live music and food accompanied the ceremony.
A little piece of Zelienople has traveled with the tomb since its visit in 2022. Last time the tomb was in town, Fatur handed out red, white and blue flowers to leave with the tomb. Afterwards, those traveling with the tomb collected and handed them out at other locations around the country.
“So our flowers have traveled all over,” Fatur said.
Bringing the tomb to people spreads the message that the original monument is meant to send. Residents can honor unidentified soldiers lost in battle without traveling to see the real thing.
“There are a lot of times that people don’t make it to Washington D.C. to see the tomb of the unknown soldier, so this really gives a great opportunity for folks to be able to see it,” Clancy said.
The tomb doesn’t just commemorate those America has lost in battle. Bringing out local veterans honors them as well.
“I was just talking to one of the fellows from the American Legion, and I thanked him for his service, but I went back and said, ‘I hope I’m worth someone that you serve for,’ and he said, ‘This is the greatest country in America, every veteran is honored to be here, and we are incredibly honored to be able to serve for our freedom.’” Clancy said.
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Veterans in attendance during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople raise their hands to be recognized during U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16's speech, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16 speaks during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel speaks during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Boney Joe performs “Proud to be an American” during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Morgan Gruber performs during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Reverand Reid Moon leads a prayer during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Members of the Amrican Legion perform a 21 gun salute during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Attendees of the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople sing along to the national anthem, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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American flags line the field of Four Corners Park during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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The Liberty Tree, seen here during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Attendees watch the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Stephanie Scialabba speaks during the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Attendees of the opening ceremony for the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Zelienople leave flowers by the tomb, Friday, July 3, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16, poses for a photo with Butler Eagle mascot Scoop. Alice Lunn/Butler Eagle
