Connellsville holds Memorial Day festivities
CONNELLSVILLE – The true meaning behind the city’s recognition of Memorial Day Monday was instilled in Terra Osler’s two children, Nathan, 8 and Rebekah, 4, as she told them about those in the military that sacrificed their lives for our country’s freedom prior to the traditional parade. “I let them know that when the flag goes by we stand up to give it respect,” said Osler of South Connellsville. “That’s what today’s about, remembering the men and women that died at war.”
Connellsville natives Rachael and Jerry Perlick, who returned to the area five years ago after living in Colorado, came out to show their support with Rachael noting she was proud of the community’s involvement.
The Perlicks said they moved back home to be closer to family, noting that Jerry served in the Navy and Rachael’s brother fought in the Vietnam War.
As the parade was initiated with a 21-gun salute over the Crawford Avenue Bridge, participants continued to North Pittsburgh Street and to the veterans war memorial across from Route 119, where a service was conducted.
Frank G. Mills Sr., state commander of the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), served as guest speaker for the program, reminding those that gathered how we must remain committed as a country to continue serving the men and women who died for our country, including those still serving overseas.
“Those we remember today came from all corners of America, but universally demonstrated all that is good about the heart of America: generosity, compassion and a willingness to put aside their own fears and welfare for the sake of the larger good,” said Mills.
Mills said they exemplified the American spirit as sons and daughters of this nation, each who were stalwart and courageous, honest and compassionate.
When we think of their place in history, Mills said we think inevitably of the days of battles past, and we think of the magnitude of their achievements and understand the qualities of greatness and what theirs were.
Because of their sacrifice, Mills said they have earned a permanent place within our hearts deserved of everlasting admiration.
“They remind us of why we fight and they inspire us to protect the values, the ideals and the freedoms that they died for,” said Mills.
According to Mills, war veterans fought throughout our history for numerous reasons, including to mend America’s wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world and to free the world’s slaves from tyranny, oppression, cruelty and evil domination.
“These men and women asked for nothing in return, yet they inspire so much,” said Mills.
Mills added that we live today in the world that they began and labored to reshape with their service and sacrifice.
Mills said in many respects it is now a different world with different challenges and new dangers; however, it is one of greater freedom and prosperity, one more hopeful than the world that preceded them.
“They personified what is best about America,” said Mills.
While we bask in the warm light of freedom today, Mills said we embark to render a proper tribute to our fallen heroes.
“It is with profound gratitude and deepest humility we salute our nation’s heroes and our fallen comrades,” said Mills.
The names of 116 area veterans who died in the last year were read by Gerald Browell, a Vietnam veteran and former superintendent of the Connellsville Area School District, who served as master of ceremonies. A rifle salute and the playing of taps followed.
Mills, who was elected to the post at the 90th state convention last June, leads the largest state department VFW unit in the nation with 115,000 members.
In addition to serving honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, Mills served as an Engineman 2nd Class on the submarine, the U.S.S. Tang SS563.
During his service, Mills was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with device in 1960.
Mills is a life member of Post 1754 in Huntingdon where he served in all post chairs, including commander four times, having achieved the position of All State Post Commander in 2006-2007.
From 1997 to 1998, Mills served as District Commander in District 17 after advancing through the chairs from District Jr. Vice Commander and also as adjutant from 1999 to present.
On the department level, Mills served three times as Youth Activities chairman and as state membership recruiter, safety chairman and as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms form 1999-2007.
Mills retired in 2006 from Owens Corning Fiberglass and Advanced Glassfiber Yarns as a pipe fitter and electrician with 36 years of service.
Mills and his wife, the former Donna K. Eichelberger, reside in Hesston with Donna being a life member of Standing Stone Post 1754 Ladies Auxiliary in Huntingdon.
The couple have five children with their sons, Frank Jr. and Mark life members of Post 1754.
The Mills’ grandson, Joshua Mills, is a life member of the VFW in Huntingdon having served in Afghanistan while their daughter, Brandie, is also a ladies’ auxiliary member.