Palmerton’s Dailey: ‘None of our veterans died in vain’

When Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel Dailey was asked to speak at his hometown’s Memorial Day service, the Palmerton native consulted his staff at the Pentagon to help him do research.

Only when Dailey asked for a list of famous people from Palmerton to tie into his speech, he was just one of two listed on the Wikipedia website.

Nonetheless, the man who accumulated around 65 medals and awards on his way to becoming the youngest person to achieve his current rank reminded a large crowd in the borough park why Memorial Day is held in such high regard.

“Unlike Veterans Day when we honor living veterans, today we honor those who gave their all so a group of us could have something a little better than generation before us,” Dailey said. “Just a few miles away from here a group of men wanted to build a nation that pays homage to an idea. An idea they knew would take brave, young men and women to sacrifice lives so each of us could have a little bit better life.”

Before Dailey addressed the crowd, six veterans received Quilts of Valor for their service in conflicts ranging from World War II to the present day.

Janet Starner, organizer of the local Quilts of Valor Foundation, said the three-layered quilts are an expression of gratitude to those who are so often unacknowledged for their service.

“With every stitch, we honor all of those who have served, no matter the military branch,” Starner said. “Our hope is that these quilts remind each recipient that their sacrifices have not been forgotten.”

Quilt recipients included Robert A. Sell, Navy; James C. Buck, Air Force; Robert W. Redhsaw, Army; Ronald Patton, Navy; Lawrence Patton, Air Force; and Sgt. Lori Ahner, Army National Guard.

Despite a rather cool Monday morning, Steve Vlossak, of the Palmerton United Veterans Organization, called the crowd one of the largest he has seen for Memorial Day services.

“These soldiers we remember today came from all over,” Palmerton Mayor Chris Olivia said. “They possessed courage, pride, determination and dedication of duty. They made ultimate sacrifice to protect us.”

The Palmerton High School band played anthems of the different branches of the Armed Forces as veterans received pins when their branch’s song was played.

Palmerton High School senior Sydney Geist read the poem “In Flanders Field,” while her classmate, Sean Hall sang “God Bless America.”

Joe Uhnak, first vice commander of the Palmerton American Legion Post 269, read the names of deceased local veterans since last Memorial Day, which was followed by a rifle volley and the playing of taps.

Before the Memorial Day service, a parade made its way through town including members of Palmerton’s veterans organizations, the Palmerton High School band, Palmerton Ambulance, Palmerton police, Palmerton Booster Club, the Girl Scout service unit, Boy Scouts Troop 41 and 209, Cub Packs 41 and 209, and the Aquashicola, Palmerton Municipal, West End and Bowmanstown fire companies.

During the parade, Miss Poppy Cali Smale assisted George H. Duell Jr. in placing a wreath at the Veterans Memorial in the park, while Legion Mascot Ben Jahelka assisted Duell at a memorial outside of borough hall.

Services like Monday, Dailey said, help ensure veterans are never forgotten.

“Memories of veterans don’t stay alive on their own,” he said. “This town always does a great job recognizing its veterans. None of our veterans died in vain. Every person who gave their lives knew it was for a greater cause than themselves.