Below are photos and a video from last Monday’s (May 26, 2014) Tamaqua Memorial Day Service held at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Master of Ceremonies was Eric Zizelmann.
The Star Spangled Banner was sung by the Assemblage with accompaniment by the Tamaqua Area Raider Marching Band.
Reverend John Frink provided the invocation and benediction.
Providing the first address was Emily Ward, Young Woman of the Year, Tamaqua Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Giving the second address was Michael McGinley.
Tamaqua Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal Steve Daderko and Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison placed the Memorial Wreath at Soldiers’ Circle.
Poppy Queen was Courtney Kovatch.
The service also included taps by the Tamaqua Raider Band and balloon release in honor of those local veterans lost since last Memorial Day.
Names read were Thomas Joseph Baddick Sr., James G. Bell, Edward T. Brimmer, Rudolph C. “Rudy” Butterworth Sr., Thomas F. Bux, John E. “Jack” Davidson, Charles E. Drummey, Robert D. Evans, Paul M. Fedak Sr., Christopher P. Ferryman, George B. Fredericks, Paul Getz, Roy E. “Poncho” Habel, Philip L. Harley, David J. Hoffmaster, Charles F. Hosler, Richard J. Jacobs, Paul C. James Sr., Richard “Dick” Jones, Lawrence John Kabana, Russel Kellner, Edward L. Konsavage, Thomas D. Linkchorst, Clement P. Litvinas, Joseph R. Lopez, George S. Milchick, Joseph A. Miller, Leroy Ohl, Edward Pavell, Robert J. Petko, Nicholas J. Piller, Joseph C. Raggio, Norman Rang, Donald L. Reinhart, David A. Rothermel, Dennis J. Ryan, Irvin E. Sassaman, Peter “Pete” Stednitz, Alphonse R. “Rusty” Stefanek, James E. Stiles Jr., Louis Stisowain, Harry W. Strack III, Edward J. Stratchko, John Trudich Jr., Joseph P. Uscavage PhD, Harold G. Wagner Sr., Robert Norman Warner, Robert W. “Bob” Wood, Joseph P. Yacobowsky, Raymond W. Yocum and Elmer Joseph Yuscyk.
Salutes were done by Tamaqua American Legion Color Guard.
The end of the service included special presentations to Jon Zizelmann, who has served as 28-year coordinator and Master of Ceremonies for the Tamaqua American Legion’s Annual Memorial Day Service and Parade. Providing certificates or citations were Ed Smith of the Tamaqua American Legion, Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison, and Borough Council President Micah Gursky on behalf of State Senator Dave Argall and State Representative Jerry Knowles.
Morrison said, “”If it wasn’t for folks like Jon Zizelmann, folks at the American Legion, other united veterans groups from the past who have participated, you folks that came here to help remember the people who have given all in past, the people who are giving all now and the people who will give everything to their country in the future.”
Eric Zizelmann has volunteered to continue his father’s tradition. Art Connely also played a key role in helping to organize the parade.
Printed on the back of the program: The American Legion C.H. Berry Post 173, Tamaqua, would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all the participants who made this Memorial Day Parade and Service possible. Thank you, also, to all the dedicated veterans and volunteers who have assisted us year after year. They have worked hard behind the scenes to make this event happen and are also responsible for the placement of the flags on the community streets and in the cemeteries. And finally, we would like to thank all of you for your attendance today as we honor our deceased American Veterans who have served during wartime and peace.