All Home Days gives tribute to the troops
Published: September 8, 2009
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JUSTIN STRAWSER/Staff Photo Cally, 8, and Eli, 10, placed carnations in memory of their father, U.S. Army Sgt. William Brandon Seidel, who died last year in his battle with cancer, Monday evening at the 90th annual All Home Days, Elysburg. Cally and Eli are the children of Ginger Seidel of Elysburg.
All Home Days Tribute to the Troops
All Home Days Tribute to the Troops
All Home Days Tribute to the Troops
ELYSBURG - As twilight fell upon the Ralpho Township Community Park Monday evening, the red, white and blue of an American flag slowly descended from its pole. The crowd was silent as "Taps" played; light flickered from candles lit before the ceremony.
The ceremony marked the end of the 90th All Home Days celebration.
"Some things get better with age, and the All Home Days Celebration is one of them," Crystal Morelli said at the beginning of the tribute to those who are serving and have
served in the armed forces. Morelli, who is on the All Home Days board, is in charge of the veterans' program.
"Take a look around you and you can see the wonderful changes," she said. "I'm sure many of you have fond memories of years gone by."
The Labor Day weekend marked the 90th anniversary of All Home Days, which was started as a way to welcome local soldiers home from World War I. The flags flown this year had been hoisted upon three new poles at the base of the veteran's monument, were funded by a $5,000 grant from Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr. (D-107). The monument itself, installed two years ago, was funded by Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27).
The names listed on the monument are Russel C. Kimball, Albert Reeder, Delmar Bailey, Fred Gruneberg, William I. Long, Alvin I. Pennsyl, Austin Chaundy and William H. Cawthorn.
Close by the veterans' monument, a memorial to veterans was erected this week by members of the community. Titled Garden of Stone, the memorial honors all veterans, but emphasizes the loss of local soldiers killed in combat.
Surrounded by flowers and dozens of American flags, four paintings depicting different wars line the walkway. The paintings were done by Shamokin Area High School art teacher Shawn McGugan.
The veterans, said Morelli, "are sacrificing everything unto death for my freedom. 'Thank you' is the least I can say."
Sgt. First Class Don Rouse, of the Pennsylvania National Guard, who has served with the U.S. Marine Corp and Army, also spoke during the tribute ceremony.
Rouse, of Sunbury, was impressed with the small community of Ralpho Township for supporting not only local veterans, but for supporting him when he was deployed in 2007.
"You all made me so welcome into your community," he said. "Thanks to all your prayers and well wishes, I'm able to stand here today."
He told stories of his time in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, through tears, explained how several friends he served with last year were unable to make the journey home alive from Afghanistan.
"Sadly, I have a bracelet which lists the names of guys I served with," he said, pausing. "I wear this bracelet because I will always remember."
"I am thankful," he went on, "to those whose names are engraved on various memorials and bracelets. We strengthen one another, and our strength reaches across oceans."
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