Saturday turned out to be the perfect day to honor the men and women who served in the United States Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and wartime Merchant Marines.

Dozens of veterans, dignitaries and area residents gathered in Ludlow Park in Summit Hill Saturday afternoon for the unveiling of the new seaborne services memorial dedication. The plaque stands in the center of the park near the gazebo.

Robert "Ski" Siesputowski of the Carbon County Navy Club and who spearheaded the memorial project, welcomed everyone in attendance and said that this was a dream of his that was finally coming true. Siesputowski is a Navy veteran.

Following the welcome, Summit Hill Post 316 chaplain Greg Miller provided the invocation.

Scott Reinhart, commander of the Navy Club of Carbon County, then again thanked everyone for attending.

"In an era when many people forget who served our country, and why they served our country, The Navy Club of the United States is dedicated to remembering our shipmates who served on the seas," he said. "Today, we are dedicating this memorial to all the men and women who served in the seaborne services, whether in wartime or peacetime."

He then introduced the speakers for the event: Brad Hurley of state Sen. John Yudichak's office, state Rep. Jerry Knowles, Carbon County Veterans Affairs Director Henry Desrosiers, Past National Commandant of the Navy Club of the USA William Flail and Summit Hill Mayor Paul McArdle.

Following the speeches, Angela Nardini sang and William Diehm of Jim Thorpe played Taps while the Panther Valley JROTC cadets raised the American flag.

The group then moved to the center of the park where they unveiled the new plaque.