Over one hundred community members gathered at the Camp Allegheny dining hall Sunday night to honor veterans who died in the global war on terrorism.
The Patriot Park Foundation hosted the event, which featured several veterans as speakers.
“We said that we would never forget. We’d never forget their efforts, we’d never forget their memories, we’d never forget that they were people just like us that came from all over the country,” says Pennsylvania 37th District Senator Devlin Robinson.
Organizers say each of the seven thousand flags at Patriot Park represents a life lost in the war on terrorism. Officials say 10 new flags were added in the past year.
At the memorial ceremony, those 10 veterans were honored with a 21-gun salute and benediction.
Patriot Park Foundation President Randy Musser says, “These seven thousand people that are represented by the flags at patriot park aren’t at home having Memorial Day celebrations and picnics with their loved ones. They’ve given the ultimate for our country.”
The ceremony also featured the dedication of a new storyboard recognizing Pennsylvania veterans that organizers say were killed in a 2005 attack. The board will soon be featured at Patriot Park.
Officials say they hope to continue highlighting the contributions of veterans across the country.
“At patriot park, we want people to realize that and to be inspired by that—to become better patriots. Put country before self. These people gave their all for their country,” says Musser.
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