2009 News
July 28, 2009
Commissioners, Veterans and Dignitaries Recognize 56th Anniversary of Korean War Armistice
Before a standing-room-only crowd that included World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf War veterans, Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, James F. Cawley, Esq., vice-chairman and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia welcomed members of the Namdong District (Republic of Korea) delegation for a poignant Ceremony of Remembrance July 25.
The ceremony, held in front of the Korean War Memorial on the Court St. side of the Bucks County Courthouse courtyard, took place two days before the 56th anniversary of the July 27, 1953 Armistice that ended the war. Despite muggy conditions, the event paid solemn tribute to the 38 Bucks County natives who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War, as well as the 18 Bucks Countians who have given their lives during the ongoing War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Speakers included Master of Ceremonies Jerry Jonas, historian of the Bucks County Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, Commissioner Chairman Martin, Namdong District Mayor Yoon, Tae Jin, Congressman Patrick Murphy and U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Wesley Craig.
“Today, we pause to honor the 38 Bucks Countians who gave their lives in the name of freedom during that faraway theater of war,” Chairman Martin stated. “Here, within this courtyard – which is dedicated to fallen warriors of generations both past and present – these 38 native sons are a continuing inspiration to families, compatriots and the citizens of our great county.”
The ceremony also included the placing of 56 red roses on the Korean War Memorial, or one for each Bucks County solider killed in the line of duty during the Korean War and the War on Terror.
The Bucks County Korean School Children’s Choir performed the Korean National Anthem and the Korean folk song, Arrirang, as members of the Korean delegation provided harmony to the familiar music. The invocation was delivered by the Rev. Paul W. Kim, pastor of the Bucks County Presbyterian Church in Middletown Twp.
Another feature of the annual event is the remembrance of prisoners of war (POW’s) and soldiers missing in action (MIA). Again this year, it was conducted by Catherine Burns and Ed Tinsman. Following is a list of the 56 heroes who were honored during the ceremony’s roll call:
KOREAN WAR HONORED DEAD |
| Harold L. Adams – U.S. Army |
John J. McDonnell – U.S. Army |
| Auston W. Beetle – U.S. Air Force |
Raymond H. Miller – U.S. Army |
| Herbert Besch, Jr. – U.S. Army |
James L. Niblick – U.S. Army |
| Matthew J. Biedka – U.S. Air Force |
Robert J. Ortlip – U.S. Navy |
| Robert E. Brown – U.S. Army |
Warren E. Palmer – U.S. Army |
| Donald L. Clayton – U.S. Marine Corps |
Paul E. Riess – U.S. Army |
| Harry Y. Eisenbray – U.S. Navy |
Clarence F. Rotenberger – U.S. Army |
| Hans W. Grahl – U.S. Marine Corps |
John M. Rozear, Jr. – U.S. Army |
| Warren H. Harms – U.S. Army |
Christopher Schlitz – U.S. Army |
| Thurle L. Hileman – U.S. Army |
Thomas F. Solometo – U.S. Army |
| John J. Holden – U.S. Army |
John M.L. Stern, Jr. – U.S. Army |
| John D. Hunsberger – U.S. Marine Corps |
George W. Supplee – U.S. Air Force |
| John J. Truan – U.S. Army |
Norbert G. Hurt – U.S. Army |
| Casimir P. Kaczor – U.S. Army |
William F. Underdown - U.S. Army |
| Edward B. Keller – U.S. Army |
Richard Vaneekhoven – U.S. Army |
| Harold D. Kellett – U.S. Army |
Walter G. Wieckowski – U.S. Army |
| William R. Lewis – U.S. Marine Corps |
William J. Wiley – U.S. Army |
| Attilio M. Lupacchini – U.S. Marine Corps |
Gracian H. White – U.S. Army |
| Bruce F. Mathewson - U.S. Marine Corps |
Bernard M. Young – Marine Corps |
| |
IRAQ WAR HONORED DEAD |
| Mark C. Baum – U.S. Army |
Kurt E. Krout - U.S. Army |
| Edward W. Brabazon – U.S. Army |
Travis L. Manion -U.S. Marine Corps |
| Robert H. Dembowski – U.S. Army |
Robert T. Mininger – U.S. Marine Cps |
| Nathaniel E. DeTample – U.S. Army |
Jae S. Moon - U.S. Army |
| Allen J. Dunckley – U.S. Army |
Patrick R. Nixon - U.S. Marine Corps |
| Brian R. Faunce – U.S. Army |
Tamarra J. Ramos - U.S. Army |
| Barton R. Humlhanz – U.S. Marine Corps |
Kristofor T. Stonesifer - U.S. Army |
| William J. Maher, III – U.S. Army |
Shawn M. Suzch - U.S. Army |
| Maurice J. Johnson - U.S. Army |
Colby J. Umbrell - U.S. Army |