Lehighton commemorates those who paid for our freedom

It was a day to refresh and renew, and to remember those who paid for our freedom.

So were the words of Lehighton elementary teacher and local historian Ron Rabenold, who spoke during the Lehighton Memorial Day service held Monday in the Upper Park Amphitheater.

“They took action to secure our freedom,” Rabenold said during the main service among sunshine and blue skies. “Let us take a fresh look upon a grave with renewed interest.”

Rabenold encouraged those in attendance to take action to remember those who showed their love by giving their time and devotion.

He then shared a few stories about love and devotion, with a few living and a few who died securing the freedoms we love.

Rabenold started with Maj. Pete Semanoff, who is stationed in Texas, and has earned two Bronze Stars for tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said that Semanoff took action as a young boy too, when he devoted himself to get to know Clarence Smoyer, a World War II veteran and Lehighton native.

And because of this, a book was written about Smoyer that is a national best-seller, Rabenold said. “And now Smoyer’s story of love and devotion to country is known.”

Rabenold said Smoyer and Joseph Sitarchyk were friends as young boys, and as children of the Depression, had it rough.

He said Sitarchyk’s father died when he was just 11, the devotion of a father trying to keep his family warm.

Joseph eventually joined the Army Rangers and was dropped in at Anzio, Rabenold said.

In the ensuing battle at Cisterna, of the 1,200 men, only nine escaped unwounded and uncaptured, he said.

“Sitarchyk and five other men found refuge under a bridge and vowed to survive,” Rabenold said. “They swore allegiance and famously signed a dollar bill together.”

Rabenold said, “Many who survive such terrible ordeals live with memories that cannot be shaken. Some take these memories into further actions to help others.”

“By sharing his story, Smoyer has given us a look into the heart of a humble and devoted warrior,” he said. “Not one who wanted to kill for malice. But someone who killed to protect and defend his family he loved so dearly, the family who drove inside his sardine can on tracks. Smoyer was driven to perfection out of loyalty to them.”

Rabenold said when fallen veteran Michael C. Wargo survived Afghanistan, “He came home with many terrible memories he couldn’t shake.”

“We are lucky to have men and women like these,” he said. “They took action, they served, they fought, and too many died securing our freedoms.”

Rabenold added, “Nothing is free. You have nothing that wasn’t first given to you.

“Visit the Michael Wargo Memorial today and renew your sense of devotion to country and to those who are gone,” he said. “Renew your love and devotion for family, for country, for those brave men and women. America must always have a giving heart filled with love and devotion.”

Kevin “Spike” Long, commander of the Lehighton United Veterans Organization, said Rabenold “is a great supporter of our veterans. He was raised with proper respect.”

After the main service, those who were able formed up on North Third Street and proceeded to Lehighton Cemetery, where military honors were rendered.

Immediately afterward, the group proceeded to American Legion Post 314 for the flag raising ceremony and conclusion of Memorial Day services and honors.