Published: May 02, 2008 11:26 pm      

Interest in WWII ceremony expands

They have been called the “Greatest Generation,” and at 3 p.m. May 18, Cambria County World War II veterans will be honored for their service and sacrifice to this country.

State Rep. Ed Wojnaroski, D-Johnstown, announced Friday that 1,017 veterans have registered to attend the recognition ceremony that will be held at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St. in downtown Johnstown.

The number of those attending has jumped considerably since mid-March, when 700 veterans were signed up.

“We’ve never had anything like this in Cambria County, at least not to this magnitude, and the numbers of veterans coming is unbelievable,” Wojnaroski said. “We are proud to be able to do this, and this will be one of the greatest things here at the war memorial in terms of veterans.”

The event is a joint effort of the Conemaugh Valley Veterans, of which Wojnaroski is chairman, and state Reps. Gary Haluska, D-Patton, and Tom Yewcic, D-Jackson Township, and state Sen. John Wozniak, D-Westmont.

U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, will be the featured speaker.

Wojnaroski said each World War II veteran in attendance will receive a citation, a medal and be recognized by name.

In addition, each branch of the military will be honored and its service song played.

CamTran will provide transportation to veterans in need of a ride. Designated pickup sites include the fire halls in Carrolltown and Cresson, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in Ebensburg and the upper-level lot behind Sears at The Galleria in Richland Township. Shuttles also will run in the downtown Johnstown area.

Medical personnel will be on hand should a problem arise.

If a veteran is unable to make the ceremony, members of the Conemaugh Valley Veterans will deliver his or her medal and citation, Wojnaroski said.

Thirty-seven sponsors have come on board.

Anyone who would like to help may contact the offices of the participating lawmakers or the war memorial at 536-5156.