Published: September 07, 2008 10:33 pm      

Vets’ efforts honor deceased comrades

Members of five veterans organizations from Ashville, Cresson, Sankertown, Gallitzin and Loretto have served their nation not only on the front lines but also on the home front.

Throughout the year, they help their fellow veterans and community.

And when it’s time to say goodbye, they honor their fallen comrades.

American Legion posts from Cresson, Gallitzin and Loretto plus Veterans of Foreign Wars posts from Sankertown and Ashville have a joint Military Funeral Honors Team to honor veterans who have passed away.

Earlier this summer, the 35 members of the Honors Team were recognized for their faithfulness during a dinner at the Cresson American Legion. The team conducts about 50 military funerals a year.

Harry Lewis of Cresson, a member of the team and a member of the Cresson American Legion and Sankertown VFW, said all the members of the team are faithful to the program.

They care about honoring the veterans and care about the veterans’ families, said Lewis, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

John Adams of Cresson, a member of the Cresson American Legion and Sankertown VFW, said veterans deserve a military funeral.

The families appreciate the honors that the team provides, said the Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

William Wyland of Loretto, a member of the Loretto American Legion, said the members of the team are fine people.

“When you are in the military, (other soldiers) are all your friends, and you show respect for your fallen friends,” said Wyland, an Air Force veteran of World War II.

“All veterans have made sacrifices for our country, so it’s important to honor them at the time of their passing.”

Joe Shyrock of Gallitzin, a member at the Gallitzin American Legion, said what inspired him to join the Honors Team after retiring is seeing some veterans on the team who, despite some minor physical disabilities, stood as straight as possible in honor of the deceased veteran.

“It’s important that somebody is there to say a final tribute to our deceased comrades,” said the Vietnam-era veteran who served in the Air Force.

Ken Hammond of Cresson, a member of the Cresson American Legion, said he is involved with the team to honor his late father, James, a World War II veteran, and for all servicemen and women who have served our country.

“May we never forget them,” said the Vietnam-era veteran who served with the Army in Germany.

The five men are busy with other activities at their posts plus either are serving or have served in leadership positions.

Hammond, along with another Cresson American Legion member, Don Eberhart, restored the wooden cabinet of the Legion’s 1902-model upright grand piano.

The pair located a piano technician to do additional work on the instrument.

The piano will be dedicated at the post’s annual Veterans Day dinner-dance in November with a pianist playing patriotic music, Hammond said.

For their efforts, the five are the Persons of the Week.