2008 News

July 28, 2008

“Answering the Clarion Call in the Defense of Freedom”
Commissioners, Military Affairs Office Host Korean War Armistice 55th Anniversary Ceremony of Remembrance

Eight years ago, the Board of Bucks County Commissioners dedicated the county’s Korean War Memorial, which is located adjacent to Court St. in the Doylestown Courthouse courtyard. The memorial was the first of its kind in southeastern Pennsylvania.

To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Korean Armistice signing – which took place on July 27, 1953 – the Commissioners this morning joined the county Office of Military Affairs and the Korean War Veterans Association to conduct an annual “Ceremony of Remembrance” at the memorial.

Commissioners’ Chairman Jim Cawley teamed with colleague Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW and dozens of Korean War veterans, their families, elected officials, county employees and members of the armed services to pay tribute to the 38 Bucks Countians who gave their lives during three years of Korean combat. They also honored the 17 Bucks County residents who have perished during the current War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, a distinguished group who are remembered as Hometown Heroes on light pole-mounted banners that ring the courtyard.

“The Korean War is known as ‘the Forgotten War,’ which is somewhat baffling to me,” Chairman Cawley told the large crowd during solemn remarks of praise for the fallen Korean soldiers and their surviving brethren who “made a conscious choice to place a high premium on ideals.” “I like to think how much better, what a different place Bucks County would be if those 38 had come home.”

Before U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy delivered his address, USMC Col. Robert F. Leary, Commanding Officer of Marine Air Group 49, praised the “patriotic atmosphere of veterans living in the Philadelphia region.”

“The men we honor today have given the ultimate sacrifice, and that sacrifice is life,” Col. Leary explained. “Thanks to them, the face of Asia changed, and today it is a dynamic democracy.”

Quoting President Dwight Eisenhower, Murphy excerpted the 34th U.S. chief executive’s remarks upon the signing of the Korean Armistice: “Only courage and sacrifice can keep freedom alive.” Murphy also highlighted the ceremony as a “testament to bi-partisan” cooperation.

The traditional elements of the annual ceremony included bugler Matthew Winiarski issuing the “Call to Colors” and “Taps,” bagpiper Timothy Bennett of the Warrington Police Department playing “Amazing Grace” and “The Minstrel Boy,” a Marine-rifle salute, a tribute to the 8,200 Korean Prisoners of War who remained unaccounted, and the singing of “America the Beautiful” and “Arrirang (a Korean folk song).”

The ceremony concluded with the placing of 55 roses (38 for Bucks County’s Korean War fallen heroes and 17 for the ongoing War on Terror heroes) atop the Korean War Memorial. Below is a complete list of the Bucks County soldiers who were honored today:

KOREAN WAR HONORED DEAD

Harold L. Adams – U.S. Army Auston W. Beetle – U.S. Air Force  Herbert Besch, Jr. – U.S. Army  Matthew J. Biedka – U.S. Air Force    Robert E. Brown – U.S. Army    Donald L. Clayton – U.S. Marine Corps Harry Y. Eisenbray – U.S. Navy  Hans W. Grahl – U.S. Marine Corps Warren H. Harms – U.S. Army  Thurle L. Hileman – U.S. Army   John J. Holden – U.S. Army        John D. Hunsberger – U.S. Marine Corps Norbert G. Hurt – U.S. Army    Casimir P. Kaczor – U.S. Army    Edward B. Keller – U.S. Army   Harold D. Kellett – U.S. Army   William R. Lewis – U.S. Marine Corps Attilio M. Lupacchini – U.S. Marine Corps Bruce F. Mathewson  - U.S. Marine Corps

John J. McDonnell – U.S. Army Raymond H. Miller – U.S. Army James L. Niblick – U.S. Army   Robert J. Ortlip – U.S. Navy Warren E. Palmer – U.S. Army   Paul E. Riess – U.S. Army Clarence F. Rotenberger – U.S. Army    John M. Rozear, Jr. – U.S. Army Christopher Schlitz – U.S. Army Thomas F. Solometo – U.S. Army John M.L. Stern, Jr. – U.S. Army George W. Supplee – U.S. Air Force John J. Truan – U.S. Army William F. Underdown - U.S. Army Richard Vaneekhoven – U.S. Army Walter G. Wieckowski – U.S. Army William J. Wiley – U.S. Army Gracian H. White – U.S. Army Bernard M. Young – Marine Corps

 

IRAQ WAR HONORED DEAD

Edward W. Brabazon – U.S. Army   Robert H. Dembowski – U.S. Army      Nathaniel E. DeTample – U.S. Army   Allen J. Dunckley – U.S. Army   Brian R. Faunce – U.S. Army Barton R. Humlhanz – U.S. Marine Corps William J. Maher, III – U.S. Army  Maurice J. Johnson, U.S. Army

Kurt E. Krout, U.S. Army Travis L. Manion, U.S. Marine Corps Robert T. Mininger, Marine Corps Jae S. Moon, U.S. Army Patrick R. Nixon, U.S. Marine Corps Tamarra J. Ramos, U.S. Army Kristofor T. Stonesifer, U.S. Army Shawn M. Suzch, U.S. Army Colby J. Umbrell, U.S. Army