Speaker announced for Perry Memorial Day event
PERRYOPOLIS – A veteran who witnessed the signing of the declaration that ended the war between United States and Japan will be the keynote speaker at a Memorial Day Program in Perryopolis on Monday. Charles H. Prince of Somerset served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was aboard the USS Missouri on July 26, 1945, when Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill and Chiang Kai-shek boarded the battleship to sign the Potsdam Declaration.
In addition to witnessing the signing, Prince, who also served a stint in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, received numerous medals and decorations during his time in service.
He is a past state commander of the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars and a life member of both VFW Post 8826 in Salisbury and American Legion Post 181 in Somerset.
Prince was also past commander of both VFW Post 7520 in Confluence and American Legion Post 181, and also served as the district commander of Pennsylvania’s District 23 and achieved the status of All-American District Commander.
Norman L. Zimmerman, commander of the American Legion Post 752, said the Memorial Day Program is a joint effort between the American Legion and the Veteran’s of Foreign War.
Zimmerman said the program usually attracts about 200 people.
“It gets a little bigger each year,” he said.
Prior to Prince’s keynote address, the Frazier High/Middle School Band, directed by Rod Staggers, will take the stage at Frazier High School Auditorium at 10 a.m. and will perform the national anthem.
Boy Scout Troop 625, Junior Troop 4078 and leaders and Cub Scout Pack 625 will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. An invocation given by the Rev. William E. Lawson, pastor of Fort Burd Presbyterian Church in Brownsville, will follow.
Peter P. Pierotti, chairman of the Memorial Day Program Committee, will begin the program with brief remarks, John Shortman, VFW Post 7023 Commander will deliver the welcoming address.
Following remarks, awards will be presented. Zimmerman will present Patriotic Buglers Awards to Sarah Cowen and Kristen Joseph. Frederick Koller, quartermaster of VFW Post 7023 will present Patriotic Citizen Awards to volunteers who raise and lower the American flag at Frazier Middle, Perry Elementary and Central Elementary schools. Those who will receive the Patriotic Citizen Award are: Chaise Bertocci, Caitlyn Brown, Jessica Butler, Alex Davies, Josh Gardner, Josh Guiser, Tyler Jordan, Trista Lowry, Jacob Lynch, Eli Morgan and Hunter Morris.
Emily Sue Cowen, a student at Frazier Middle School student, will also receive an award for her essay that won the VFW Patriotic Pen contest. Cowen’s essay is titled “Citizenship in America.”
After awards are given, Brittany M. Traynor will present her oration, “Freedom’s Challenge,” which will be followed by a medley of patriotic music performed by the Frazier band.
Prince will then deliver his keynote address.
Following the address, Tony Fao, co-chairman of the Memorial Day Program Committee, will memorialize comrades who passed away in 2006 and 2007, reading their names and then pausing for a moment of silence in their honor.
The following veterans are to be honored: William D. Albaugh, Paul Backas, Richard C. Behana, Joseph Cernuska Jr., John Chiprich, Edward P. Filchock, John E. Gardner, George E. Hancharik Sr., Richard A. Kantorik, Edward Kotlar, Joseph D. Lasko Sr., Joseph R. Lipovsky, Jack F. Patterson, John Pilarcik, John D. Porter, Ralph E. Price, Joseph N. Rebottini, Robert T. Robinson Sr., Victor T. Seruga Sr., John Strickler, George Thompson, Ralph Tringes Jr., Henry Vestrate, Steve “Jack” Voytilla, Willard L. Wadsworth and Oliver B. West Sr.
After which, lay minister Ross M. Ackinclose will give the benediction and the Memorial Day service will move outside to the honor roll adjacent to the school.
Boy Scout Troop 625, under the direction of Scoutmaster John Snyder, will raise the American flag and then lower it to half-staff and place wreaths at the honor roll. Mike Vindivich, lay speaker, will give the memorial and dedication prayer.
The ceremonial firing squad under the direction of Tony A. Fao Sr. and under the command of George Timko will then fire the traditional salute for fallen comrades. Ending the tribute will be the playing of taps by Frazier Band buglers, Kristen Joseph and Sarah Cowen.
Following the observance at the Perryopolis Honor Roll, all veterans and the public have been asked to participate in Memorial Day services at the honor roll in Layton, where an invocation, benediction, and memorial and dedication prayer will be given.
Both programs are dedicated in honor of the veterans of Operation Iraq Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom.