South Connellsville rededicates war memorial
SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE – A Navy veteran and former borough councilman was taken by surprise Saturday when he was handed a citation from the House of Representatives recognizing his commitment to the community, particularly to the war memorial. Best known for his role as “honorable caretaker,” Wendell Fisher received the document during the borough’s re-dedication of the 57-year-old monument that features 22 bronze plaques etched with the names of more than 100 resident veterans.
“This (upkeep) started 20 years ago with the Lions Club,” said Fisher, who also received a special red, white and blue hat from Mayor Pete Casini.
According to the citation, issued through the office of state Rep. Timothy Mahoney, D-Fayette, Fisher was recognized for demonstrating outstanding commitment to the needs and concerns of the borough through his exemplary record of volunteer service.
U.S. Army Col. Gregory Allen Ritch, deputy commander of the 464th Chemical Brigade based in Johnstown, served as guest speaker for the event held in conjunction with the 57th observance of Armed Forces Day.
Also taking part were Joe T. Joseph, Americanism Chairman of the American Legion Post 51; Lonnie Casini, borough council member; Jennifer Miele, news anchor with Channel 4 Action News who served as mistress of ceremonies; the Molinaro Band; the Rev. Ray Keefer of Central Fellowship Church; the American Legion Riders; and Boy Scout Troop 101.
“This is a sacred ceremony,” said Jospeh.
Ritch, a retired teacher from Connellsville Area School District, reminded the audience their freedom was made possible from past and present veterans.
Both Ritch and Joseph referred to the veterans of World War II as the greatest generation.
For their service, Miele and Casini presented the veterans who served during that era with bronze medals threaded through a red, white and blue ribbon.
Ritch wore one in honor of his father and uncle. “It is always an honor to pay tribute to the men and women of the greatest armed force that this world has ever known, the United States military,” said Ritch.
Ritch reminded those attending they should be thankful that those who served were willing to risk everything to allow their children and their grandchildren the opportunity to live in freedom.
By answering the call of duty of valor and unrelented determination, Ritch said the veterans set a standard of courage and idealism that inspires everyone.
While accepting that challenge to defend our freedom, Ritch summarized the duties of all soldiers into three words: duty, honor and country.
After speaking with a friend in Baghdad early Saturday, Ritch said 3,770 soldiers have since died in conflicts while serving overseas, including 178 from Pennsylvania.
“America is grateful to all that wore the uniforms of the armed forces of the United States, yet may we never forgot their sacrifices for our liberty,” said Ritch.
Ritch joined the military in 1970 at age 19 and has since been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with gold hourglass Device and M device, Combat Action Badge, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Bronze DeFlurey from the Army Engineer Association.
Last April, Ritch was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Ga.
Fisher, who served on borough council in the 1980s, became involved with the initiative to move the borough’s existing Korean War, World War I and World War II monuments from their original location in front of the former Gibson School to Allegheny Avenue and South Pittsburgh Street.
The names of South Connellsville soldiers who served in the Vietnam War, as well as those who served in Iraq, have since been added to the landmark along with a bronze eagle.