Sunday, May 12, 2024

Schuylkill Haven to Dedicate Hometown Heroes Banners on Memorial Day



In honor of our Heroes, the 2024 Schuylkill Haven Hometown Hero Banners “Phase II” are now proudly on display throughout downtown and Bubeck Park. 

A dedication of the banners will take place following the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade on May 27.

The Phase II project started in September 2023 and the committee thanks the community for their support. Through a coordinated effort of community volunteers and borough employees, the banners are up prior to Memorial Day for our Veteran Dedication and Celebration.

The definition of a veteran says it all: “Someone who wrote a blank check to the United States of America for an amount up to and including one’s life.” They inspire others to follow in their footsteps and serve our country.

Sixty Hometown Heroes ranging from WWII to active-duty military service personnel: Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines are represented. These banners provide residents and visitors the opportunity to pay tribute to remarkable individuals and their outstanding commitment of courage and service to our country. They are our fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, sons, daughters and siblings of our community.

Hometown Hero, Richard Klahr is the oldest living American Legion Post #38 Commander (1964-65). He is a proud member of the legion since he returned from war in 1953 for 71 years. Richard made this comment when he saw his banner: “I was really surprised to find out my family was recognizing me as a Hometown Hero. It was an honor to serve the country I love so much! Many people today don’t understand what veterans went through in all the wars. Hopefully Hometown Heroes will help get conversations started with families about people they know and love. It is my fervent prayer that our next generation will not have to witness the devastation that so many of our brave men and women have experienced.”

The Hometown Hero Banners will formally be dedicated on Monday May 27, 2024 at approximately 11:15 AM following the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade on the Parkway. 

Mayor Mike Devlin is the Master of Ceremony for the traditional event honoring our service members. It will include a special dedication by Jerry Bowman, Council President and Hometown Hero Committee member. Patriotic music will be provided by the Schuylkill Haven High School Band as well as the Schuylkill Choral Society Ensemble. Heroes, sponsors and family members are invited to both the dedication and celebration which follows the raising of the American flag.

Donations are appreciated for the reception and checks can be sent to the Schuylkill Haven Borough at 333 Center St, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 (memo HH donation).