Palmerton has long history of supporting military service

Pools are open and grills are smoking. For some, Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer. On Monday, however, William Gallagher reminded those in attendance at Palmerton’s Memorial Day service about the true meaning of the holiday.

“It’s a lot more than those things,” said Gallagher, a U.S. Army veteran who fought in Vietnam and received a Bronze Star for meritorious service, said. “Today we honor those who gave their lives in a time of war or conflict.”

On Saturday, members of the United Veterans Organization in Palmerton visited cemeteries in the community offering prayer, a rifle salute and “the haunting sounds of a lone bugle.”

Gallagher said Palmerton has a cemetery that is the final resting place for seven soldiers from the Revolutionary War and another where one War of 1812 soldier and six Civil War soldiers are buried.

“Palmerton has a long history of supporting of its veterans and you better believe the veterans really appreciate that support,” Gallagher added.

Before the Memorial Day service, a parade made its way through town including members of Palmerton’s veterans’ organizations, the Palmerton High School band, area Boy Scout troops and the Palmerton Girl Scout service unit, and Aquashicola, Palmerton Municipal and Bowmanstown fire companies.

“I think it was one of our longest parades,” said Steve Vlossak of the Palmerton UVO. “It’s a great day to remember those who sacrificed their lives. If it wouldn’t be for them, there wouldn’t be any other holidays.”

The UVO presented pins to all veterans in attendance at the ceremony and those currently serving in the military, or their family members, had a chance to say their name.

“We remember the courage of all who have served and those who sacrificed their lives,” Palmerton Mayor Chris Olivia said. “The best way to honor the dead is to serve the living. Let us all recommit ourselves to the principles of service. May the sacrifice of those who have their lives bring us hope for a safer and more peaceful world.”

For the third year, the local chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation presented quilts to a handful of local veterans. Organizer Janet Starner said the group meets monthly at the Quilted Crow.

“All of our members are drawn to this mission to comfort and heal,” she said. “This is not a charity quilt or just another blanket. It is an expression of gratitude. We hope the recipients display them as badges of honor.”

This year’s quilt recipients were Gary Fink, U.S. Army from 1968-70; Steve Vlossak, U.S. Army from 1968-70; Ray George, U.S. Navy from 1965-68; Bruce Reiner, U.S. Army from 1968-71; and Steve Hansut, U.S. Navy from 1966-70.

Joe Plechavy, director of the Palmerton Community Band, and Palmerton Area High School student Mitchell Hourt teamed up to perform “For Your Country and My Country,” and “Song for the Unsung Hero.”

The Palmerton Area High School band played a medley of patriotic tunes.

Ben Serfass, Palmerton senior, read the poem “In Flanders Field.”

Harry Brown, UVO member, read “I Am Your Flag.”

In closing his remarks Monday, Gallagher quoted President Donald Trump during a speech at Arlington National Cemetery.

“We can never repay those who gave their lives,” Gallagher said. “We can never replace them. But we can remember them.”