FRACKVILLE — American Legion Post 398 held a dedication ceremony for its new veterans monument in front of the post home on Memorial Day.
The black granite monument on South Mahanoy Street was a project of the post to create the tribute to all veterans.
“It’s been two years in the making,” David Sluck, post commander, said.
The monument is the second one at the post, the first placed on the Oak Street side by the Ladies Auxiliary in 1990.
“There was nothing here until the Ladies Auxiliary decided that we had to have a monument,” said auxiliary member Sylvia Yonalunas, who attended the ceremony with other members, each holding an American flag.
As the program began, Sluck said, “This monument is a perpetual memorial to our comrades who died in their country’s service and to those who offered their lives during time of war. May we dedicate our organization and ourselves to the sacred ideals that are represented here, remembering the American Legion principles and service for God and country.”
Post Adjutant Peter P. Kostingo was called to the podium by Sluck to offer a prayer. The beginning portion of the prayer read was, “Almighty God, judge over people and nations, we stand before thee today as loyal servants of our country, grateful for its splendid heritage. We ask thy blessing upon our great republic. May America ever remain free and mighty and true to her best ideals. Bless the president of the United States and all public servants, that they may walk in justice before thee and all their acts may redound to the greater welfare of our people.”
When Sluck returned to the podium, he said, “In memory of those who have given their all to this country, who have made the supreme sacrifice and have answered the call of the ‘Great Commander of all Divisions,’ we will stand in silence and with bowed heads.”
After about 30 seconds of silence, Sluck recalled Kostingo to the podium.
“I especially want to thank those people for the design, planning and completion of the monument of granite, stone, steel and landscaping,” Kostingo said. “This memorial was built to remember those who died on the battlefield, the prisoners of war and the missing in action, the wounded and all who contribute during war and peace to the freedom of our nation. The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree. Freedom isn’t free.”
Kostingo continued, “This monument was built with the Legion family as its inspiration. The centerpiece — the keystone — represents the Legionnaires. The inscription reads, ‛Frackville American Legion gratefully dedicates this monument to honor all the men and women who faithfully and proudly serve our country sacrificing all to protect our country’s freedom.’ The auxiliary stone reads, ‛Our Auxiliary will always support our troops for the sacrifices they make.’ The auxiliary are the partners and family members of Legionnaires. The Sons of the American Legion stone represents our veterans sons and grandsons. The stone reads, ‛The Sons of the American Legion honor all veterans.’ There is not a better day to dedicate our veterans memorial than today, Memorial Day.”
Speaking about Memorial Day, Kostingo said, “We’re here today to honor our heroes, to remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication, and to say thank you for their sacrifice. On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who have answered America’s call to duty and made the supreme sacrifice for her defense. The patriot’s blood is the seed to freedom’s tree. Freedom is not free.”
Kostingo introduced the Rev. Robert Finlan, pastor of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Frackville, to bless the monument with holy water.
Kostingo returned to the podium and spoke about Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, of whom there are 3,497. He spoke of three, one being Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Peter Damato, a native of Shenandoah who sacrificed himself in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II by covering a live grenade with his body in order to save his comrades. Kostingo read the citation for the Medal of Honor, which was presented posthumously to the family. American Legion Post 792 in Shenandoah is named for him.
Kostingo also read the Medal of Honor citations of Army Master Sgt. John F. Baker Jr., who served in the Vietnam War, and Army Sgt. Ryan M. Pitts, who is the ninth living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the War in Afghanistan.
Also speaking at the ceremony was American Legion 13th District Commander Marc Burlile.
“In the name of the Frackville Legion Post 398, the Department of Pennsylvania American Legion, I would like to dedicate this memorial to the memory of those who fell in their service to the country. I dedicated to those who offered their lives for justice, freedom and democracy. The lives of those who made the ultimate supreme sacrifice are glorious before us,” he said.
After the speakers, the post’s honor guard provided the rifle salute and the playing of taps.
After the dedication, a free buffet-style meal and refreshments were provided to the public in the post home. From 2 to 5 p.m., music was provided by One Last Rider.
Earlier in the day, the Legionnaires were busy with Memorial Day duties. Visits by the post’s honor guard to local cemeteries began at 7 a.m., followed by participation in the annual parade that began at M&T Bank at 9 a.m., moved along Lehigh Avenue to Spring Street and headed to Memorial Park for the program, which was also attended by the post’s Sons of the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary. The Legion Riders also participated in the parade.
On Sunday, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Frackville, with the honor guard and post members present.