Thank You to the Event Coordinator of 2007 Ceremony

by Wes "Shorty" Salmans
(New Cumberland, PA USA)

I wish to give special thanks to Peggy Rieder, the coodinator of this ceremony. What a respectful and meaningful program to "Remember, Honor & Teach".

Introductions were made by Floyd Turner II, President of the Gov. Joseph Heister Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Mr Turner was dressed in the full military uniform of that period.

Posting of the colors were by the 111th Fighter Wing of the PA Air National Guard, MSgt John Heidrick, TSgt Phil Wedgie, TSgt Alex Sutherland and SSgt Anthony Kearse.

The Pledge of Allegiance wad led by Kathryn Turner, Pres, Conrad Weiser Society, Children of the American Revolution. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Rev. Robert Argot, Jr., Hawk Mtn Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

Ceremonial wreaths were placed by:

ARMY -Gold Star Mother, Barbara Bernard, mother of SFC Brent A. Adams, US Army, KIA 12/1/2005 in Ramadi, Iraq

NAVY - James Fralish, father of HM3 John Fralish, KIA 02/6/2006, in Afghanistan

US MARINE CORPS - Peggy Morrison, mother of Lance Cpl Nicholas B. Morrison, KIA 8/13/2004, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq

US COAST GUARD - Melissa Nalevanko, sister of SFC Brent A Adams.

US AIR FORCE - Joan Reid, mother of Captain Frederick "Artie" Reid, F-111 pilot, died 10/10/1990, in the Persian Gulf.

US MERCHANT MARINES - Edward Gannon, Merchant Marine during WWII and Delores Parker, mother of SFC George Pugliese, KIA 9/28/2005 in Ramadi, Iraq.

POW/MIA - Frank Kusnir, US Army, held prisoner by the Germans from 12/18/1944 to 4/1/1945 and Larry Runk, brother of PFC Gary Runk, KIA 5 Jan 1968 in Heip Due Valley, South Vietnam.

These presenters were escorted by active duty personnel of the Harrisburg PA Recruiting Command.

Speakers were introduced and had brief remarks on events for the day:

James Metcalfe, Director, Indiantown Gap National Cemetery
Capt James Naber, Commander, Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna
Lt Col Jacqueline Siciliano, PA Air National Guard
CDR Greg Bollinger, Civil Air Patrol Squadron 301
David Eisenbeil, Training Officer, US Naval Sea Cadet Corp

Taps were played by SRA Amy Saranchuk, 111th Fighter Wing, PA Air National Guard

All of those in attendance were invited to participate in the laying of some 250+ wreaths on the grave sites.

The teaching part was in evidence as several of the BSA and the cadets took the time to shake hands and thank the Veterans from the Lebanon VA Hospital for service to our country.

Wes "Shorty" Salmans

Pictures of this event can be found on this website:
http://home.comcast.net/~waa-ignc/