Members of American Legion Allen O. Delke Post 16 opened their Aug. 6 meeting by bowing their heads and asking God to guide their work during the meeting and praying for their comrades.

The POW-MIA chair was uncovered. The empty chair honors those who are not present by reason of being missing since their time in a war.Mike Bodnar, on behalf of the 14th District, was present to lead the installation. It was described as the most colorful program the Legion holds.Post members, Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary were welcomed."We are proud of the record the Post has done during the past year so the installation is most important," Bodnar said. "It shows everyone is paying attention to their duties."Cathy Olker, auxiliary district president covering the counties of Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe, said her home Post is 922 in Canadensis.She asked the auxiliary officers to come forward: Marcy Knappenberger, president; Judy Burke, vice president; Jeralyn Walters, secretary; Susan Queen, treasurer, Linda Kistler, chaplain and Lori Giannotti, sergeant at arms.Olkher gave the job description for each position, which was much the same in all four Legion divisions.The sergeant at arms is responsible for order during meetings and is in charge of the flag. The chaplain is the spiritual leader.The position of treasurer is one of trust as the keeper of the money in charge of the budget. The secretary has the greatest number of duties. "All activities revolve around you," said Olker.The vice president is in active cooperation with the president or, when necessary, is a substitute for the president.The president receives the greatest trust and has been placed in a position of justice and loyalty.Olker told Knappenberger that as she retires she can be assured of the respect and appreciation of the members. She presented her with the gavel. Knappenberger was returning to the office of president.The auxiliary received recognition for unit activities and meeting the membership quota.Joseph Wysochanski Jr., eastern sector commander, installed the officers for the Sons of the American Legion. Bob Smith and Bruce McFarland were named sergeants at arms.Floyd Charles is the new chaplain. Mark Benninger was named finance officer. The second vice commander is Randy Sigley, and Garry Jacoby was named commander.The vice commander has responsibility for patriotic observances of all kinds. "You are the teacher of freedom," said Wysochanski. The commander has the sacred duty of teaching all other officers.You are all comrades. You are more than presiding officers. You hold the policies and traditions of the squadron, he said.As he handed the gavel to Jacoby, he said the outgoing commander had a great year.Elected officers for the Legion Riders are President Charmaine McKelley, Don Wirth, secretary; Jeff Miller Sr., treasurer and Shaun Cole, road captain.The road captain is in charge of operational awareness and condition of the motorcycles.McKelley is both the outgoing and incoming president. Records indicate her experience will always be available to those who follow her. She is to see that no veteran is ever turned away.Legion officers are: Gordon Giannotti, historian; Floyd Charles sergeant at arms; Thomas Beam, sergeant at arms; Robert Churetta, finance officer and assistant chaplain; Bernie Dugan, junior vice commander; James Gourniak Sr., commander; George Burke, senior vice commander; Mark Queen, adjutant; and Charles Stopp, service officer.The historian is given the responsibility for the records of the post for those who come after the present members. The judge advocate rules on legal actions. The chaplain participates in funeral services. The second vice commander provides assistance in all applications of justice and the first vice commander is the teacher of democracy.Retiring Commander Gordon Giannotti has completed a year of service and has justified members' faith. He reached 100 percent of the membership goal. The new commander, James Gourniak Sr., has the duty of seeing that no one is turned away and to be guided by the decisions of members. Bodnar presented him with the gavel.Gournniak said he was "humbly grateful" for being able to lead the post in its 96th year. He said he would use a "can do" attitude.Past historian David Altrichter presented the historical record book for the 2011-12 year.As the POW-MIA chair was again covered, Burke said, "We pay our respects to them. We revere then as good soldiers who have dedicated their lives."