Parade honors local veterans
CONNELLSVILLE – Soldiers who have fought in battle along with those who are currently standing guard throughout the world were recognized Monday for their service. With flags waving in the breeze and patriotic music filling the air, veterans representing all branches of the armed forces marched with school bands, civic organizations, veterans organizations and city and county officials as Connellsville hosted the county’s annual parade and program to pay tribute to those who have defended their county.
“Connellsville is proud to host Veterans Day activities since our city is recognized as the national birthplace of Veterans Day,” said Gerald Browell, Connellsville Area School District superintendent and Vietnam War veteran, during the ceremony held at the city war memorial.
One year after the signing of the armistice to end World War I, veteran and Connellsville resident Maxie Floto and Thomas W. Scott began a campaign to have a day set aside to annually honor those who had served their country during the war.
“What started out as Armistice Day in Pennsylvania became a national holiday in 1938 and eventually Veterans Day in 1954, a day to honor all veterans of all wars,” Browell said.
Floto was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in recognition of his work to have veterans honored.
Richard A. Coccimiglio, Pennsylvania American Legion past commander, said the service of the men and women who donned uniforms should not be forgotten, because if they had not decided to serve their country, there would be no country.
“The veteran has done and continues to do what no other American will do,” Coccimiglio said. “They give up their lives or part of their lives for two years, four years, six years or 20 years to protect and defend the freedoms we enjoy.
“They put their lives on the line each and every day.”
Coccimiglio noted the efforts of the National Guard and Army Reserve units that now make up nearly one-half of the U.S. military force.
“They are now an integral part of our national defense,” he said. “The honor that we extend to our military, must also be extended to them.
“There are, on any given day, 4,700 Pennsylvania active Air and National Guard and Reserve units serving in 134 countries throughout the world.”
Unfortunately, said Coccimiglio, after their service to their country, veterans are not given the respect that they are due.
“Many issues regarding the veteran has been put on the back burner, ” he said. “Congress must ensure that the Veterans Administration has adequate funding to care for those veterans who need the service of the VA health care system.
“As a nation, we have a responsibility to make sure their needs are not overlooked or forgotten.”
Coccimiglio urged those attending the Veterans Day program to persuade legislators to implement programs and allocate funding to care for the military personnel.
“They don’t want any more than was promised to them for serving their country,” he said.
Also taking part in the war memorial ceremony were members of the Connellsville Veterans Commission, comprised of the American Legion Post 301, VFW Post 21 and American Legion Post 762, the Connellsville Area High School band, the Molinaro Band, the Rev. John Butler of the St. John’s Evangelical R.C. Church, the Rev. Marvin Watson, Nancy C. Jones, president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and Ronald L. Shroyer.
Prior to the program, nearly 50 marching units representing area high schools, fire departments, local and county government, Scouting organizations and veterans groups paraded along Crawford Avenue and Pittsburgh Street.
At 11 a.m., the American Legion Post 301 Honor Guard paused to mark the signing of the World War I armistice with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps” by the Uniontown VFW Post 47 band.
Although the crowds lining the parade route were sparse, those in attendance waved flags and cheered as the marchers passed by.
“It was a good parade,” said an unidentified onlooker.