Tamaqua hosts salute to veterans

A strong, loyal band of spectators turned out in subfreezing temperatures Saturday morning in Tamaqua to honor American veterans.

The annual event, sponsored by Tamaqua American Legion C.H. Berry Post 173, has been a November staple in the community since being revived in 2000.

It had been a tradition up until 1940, then it stopped. But through efforts spearheaded by the late Rev. James Greaser and others, it returned.

The crowds are never large compared to the thousands turning out for the annual Halloween parade. Still, those on hand acknowledged that many communities don’t have a Veterans Day parade at all.

“We should have the crowd we have at Halloween,” said Alice Hahn of Tamaqua. Hahn said her father fought on D-Day with the U.S. Navy.

“He was in World War II and I’m here to honor him.”

Expressing a sentiment so often repeated by many folks, Hahn said she wished she would have spent more time learning about his time spent in the service.

“He tried to talk to me but I didn’t listen. He’s gone 20 years.”

Hahn brought along grandson Mason Ketchledge, 11, of Mahanoy City, so that the youngster could become familiar with the tradition.

Those participating in the parade said they wouldn’t miss it.

“This is my second year,” said Russell Yallas of Hometown. Yallas donated use of his 1950 Ford Custom, driven by Steven Bayer and carrying dignitaries of the Tamaqua Business and Professional Women.

U. S. Air Force veteran Greg Danchak of Lansford represented Lansford American Legion Post 123, along with Rudy Balas, a U.S. Navy veteran. Danchak said it’s important for people to think about veterans and their country.

“It’s a good feeling when someone thanks you for your service. But on the other hand, it’s disheartening to witness certain people and groups disrespect our country’s symbols like our flag, which so many sacrificed so much to make sure our country remains free.”

Despite the sacrifices, it hasn’t always been an easy road for American veterans, said one participant, particularly those of the Vietnam era.

“People didn’t acknowledge us back then,” said U.S. Marine Corps veteran John Suzadail of Tamaqua, on hand with wife Carol.

That’s why it’s imperative to attend the parade, said Richard Hadesty, 2019 Joseph M. Plasko Citizen of the Year award winner chosen by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce.

“People should turn out to show respect,” he said.

In a show of both unity and respect, Boy and Girl Scout Troops of Tamaqua area combined forces to carry an oversized American flag along the parade route.

Another special entry was an honor guard of Chevaliers of Canton Allentown #39, Patriarchs Militant, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The group traditionally has been fortified with members from Tamaqua Harmony Lodge when they advance to the highest rank of the order. Tamaqua Harmony Lodge was organized in 1843 and at one time had more than 900 members, recognized as the largest Odd Fellows Lodge in Pennsylvania.

The day began with a seven-gun salute at the Rahn Township War Memorial, East Broad Street, remembering veterans from the township annexed by Tamaqua in 1972.

The Tamaqua Area High School Raider Marching Band played a medley of patriotic songs along the line of march. Two members of the brass section, Sarah Frantz and Taylor Rodgers, also performed Taps and Echo Taps following the Rahn Township memorial volley.

Grand Marshal William Frederickson rode in a vintage Corvette driven by Allen Keich.

Following the parade, the ceremonies moved to the American Legion Post home, 206 W. Broad St., where remarks were offered by Vietnam-era veteran Jack Kulp of Tamaqua.

The parade stepped off at 10 a.m. but was briefly interrupted when an aerial truck and other emergency vehicles were summoned to a fire in the Schuylkill Township area.