This week our country will give thanks to those who served in the armed forces, and Sunday in Hazleton, veterans dedicated a special tribute to those in uniform.
They came to solemnly dedicate a memorial that will stand along a busy street through Hazleton.
Many came to see the unveiling of a monument outside the Elks club on East Broad Street: a helmet on top of a rifle and boots, the symbol of a fallen soldier.
"We must never forget the bravery and heroism of our service members," said Brigadier General James Joseph of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
General Joseph expressed gratitude and told the crowd of the sacrifices this state has made in the war on terror alone: 233 Pennsylvanian lives lost.
"The sons and daughters of Pennsylvania have been at the forefront of this country's struggle to protect this country's values and freedoms of friends and family here at home," said General Joseph.
"Oh, it's beautiful, I just love it. I'm just so proud of it and to have his name represented here," said Mary Ann Pontry, the mother of a fallen soldier.
Mary Ann Pontry of Hazleton lost her son, Dante, in the first Gulf War. His name is now on a brick at the monument.
"When he was killed, it probably was the saddest day and still is the saddest day in our life but we will always, always be proud he joined the Marines," said Pontry.
She and other veterans said it will mean a lot to pass the site honoring them and their loved ones.
"We appreciate what they did for us. I am a veteran myself. I know what these guys went through," said James Humenick of Hazleton.
The new memorial was made possible through the Elks Club and donations in Hazleton.
They came to solemnly dedicate a memorial that will stand along a busy street through Hazleton.
Many came to see the unveiling of a monument outside the Elks club on East Broad Street: a helmet on top of a rifle and boots, the symbol of a fallen soldier.
"We must never forget the bravery and heroism of our service members," said Brigadier General James Joseph of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
General Joseph expressed gratitude and told the crowd of the sacrifices this state has made in the war on terror alone: 233 Pennsylvanian lives lost.
"The sons and daughters of Pennsylvania have been at the forefront of this country's struggle to protect this country's values and freedoms of friends and family here at home," said General Joseph.
"Oh, it's beautiful, I just love it. I'm just so proud of it and to have his name represented here," said Mary Ann Pontry, the mother of a fallen soldier.
Mary Ann Pontry of Hazleton lost her son, Dante, in the first Gulf War. His name is now on a brick at the monument.
"When he was killed, it probably was the saddest day and still is the saddest day in our life but we will always, always be proud he joined the Marines," said Pontry.
She and other veterans said it will mean a lot to pass the site honoring them and their loved ones.
"We appreciate what they did for us. I am a veteran myself. I know what these guys went through," said James Humenick of Hazleton.
The new memorial was made possible through the Elks Club and donations in Hazleton.
