Marchers pay tribute to military
CONNELLSVILLE – The city’s tribute to its veterans was commended Monday by the past state commander of the American Legion who reminded those that attended the Memorial Day program of the importance of patriotism and how the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, changed his life. “I salute this town for what it has done and what it continues to do for your veterans,” said Jeffrey L. Seler of McClure.
James Smith of Connellsville said he came out to watch fellow veterans during the parade held along West Crawford Avenue organized by the Connellsville Veterans Commission.
Smith said he served in the Vietnam and Korean wars he was fortunate to return home.
Chris Fronczek, a third grade student at Zachariah Connell Elementary School in the Connellsville Area School District said it was important to realize the meaning behind the holiday that he studied about in class.
Fronczek, who came to the parade with his mother, Tracy, brother, Andrew and sister, Emily, said he also enjoyed seeing his friends that are band members.
Following the parade, the crowd gathered at the city’s veteran’s memorial along Route 119 where long time veteran’s commission president, Don Burkholder, was remembered.
Burkholder, of American Legion Post 301 in Connellsville, died last August with Donald G. Siple, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 21, taking over his position.
“He was a leader in all of our local veterans events for many years and we miss that leadership and his friendship,” said Gerald Browell, master of ceremonies.
The Rev. Paul C. Freidhof of Indian Creek Calvary United Methodist Church, provided residents with a reminder during his invocation stating, “Freedom is worth fighting for and soldiers are worth praying for.”
Seler carried that message forward by urging residents to work together to have Congress pass an amendment to protect the U.S. Flag as well as contacting local legislators to change the spending of the Veteran’s Association from discretionary to mandatory.
“We’re here today on an auspicious occasion … to honor not only those that paid the extreme sacrifice we are also here to celebrate and remember the POW and MIA’s that are totally unaccounted for at this point,” said Seler.
As a symbol recognized throughout the world, Seler asked that residents remember what the flag stands for whenever they salute it.
“This is a banner like no other…it has been through every war up through the beginning of time until now,” said Seler.
After visiting the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and talking with some injured veterans eager to get well so they can return to their units to take care of fellow veterans, Reed said we need to see to it they are well taken care of.
“That is men and women standing up for America, men and women that truly love this country and truly serve and defend and keep all the rights that each and every one of us enjoy,” said Seler.
While he reflected on past wars, Seler touched on the war in the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan, sparked by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, that he witnessed first hand at the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., where he was attending a conference in the Capital building as vice commander of the Pennsylvania American Legion.
Seler said the meeting never transpired because the group was evacuated.
“As we were exiting we happened to come out on the entrance facing the Pentagon and I had the most un eerie feeling you could have of seeing people die, we saw the plane go into the Pentagon,” said Seler.
As the American community as a whole gathered to rebuild the country and its citizenship, Seler said patriotism was sparked, but the flame seems to be growing dimmer.
“Let’s not forget patriotism, let’s rebuild it and keep it up there, let’s show them we know what America is truly about that we are a nation under God,” said Seler.
A retired programs operator and manager from the state Department of Labor and Industry, Seler enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after he graduated in June 1965, having trained in the administration and management fields.
Seler continued his education at the Air Force’s community college and served a four-year tour of duty at various locations stateside and overseas, including in Vietnam from November 1966-1967 having returned as a combat veteran to complete his tenure.
During his service, Seler received numerous awards and citations, commendations, ribbons, badges and distinguished himself and his unit by being chosen as airman of the month before his separation in December 1968.
Seler is a 30 plus year member of the American Legion and a life member of Post 942 in McClure and the VFW Post 5640 with veterans and services to them and their families a top priority since his discharge.
Additionally, Seler served on various committees for the Department of Pennsylvania and its 18th district, including commander, adjutant, finance officer, judge advocate and service officer at the post level.
At the district level, Seler held the position of Commander from 1980-1982 and again from 1998-2000 along with adjutant from 1976-1980 and from 1982-1983.
At the department level Seler served as vice commander from 1983-1984 in addition to numerous positions as vice chairman and chairman while at the national level he served as vice chairman of foreign relations, post home, blood donor, national security and distinguished guest committee.
Seler and his wife Vickie, have one son, Michael, who after serving an active tour of duty, continues to serve with the U.S. Air Force Reserves 193rd Air National Guard Special Operations Unit.
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