A veterans memorial with flags representing every branch of the service, flowers and ornamental stones lies along a sleepy street in the village of Newkirk, just outside of Tamaqua.

The tribute is a “hidden gem” created by a few hard working people who didn’t seek financial assistance from any organizations, said Michael Polyak, judge advocate of the CH Berry American Legion Post 173 in Tamaqua.

Polyak recently photographed what he called “the epitome of patriotism” and posted pictures on social media.

“All of a sudden, when (Polyak) put that on Facebook, people did go out and look at it. We had a lot of compliments and it shocked the living heck out of me,” said Vietnam veteran Joe Bickleman, who created the memorial about 10 years ago with another Newkirk native, Danny Farber.

The men and their families established the memorial on Cherry Street, a narrow lane to the rear of the small village.

“It makes you feel real good having people go out there and look at it,” Bickleman said, his voice cracking with emotion.

About a decade ago, he was in the process of tearing down an old home in the village and had Farber - a heavy equipment operator - move part of the foundation to where the memorial would eventually be built.

“For about a year, it was doing nothing. Then me, Danny (Farber), and my brother, Gene, came up with the idea of making a veterans memorial,” Bickleman said. “This is all based upon all the veterans that lived or were born in Newkirk. Every other community has one, so we decided to make one between me, Danny and Gene.”

Each of the men had served in the military, and had family members who did as well.

The memorial in the village of about 50 began with an American flag and pole near the foundation stone.

“And then every year afterward, we try to add something more to it. Right now we have flags for all the American service branches, including the Space Force,” Bickleman said.

There’s a Pennsylvania flag, which was recently secured with the help of state Rep. Jamie Barton. The American flag came from the American Legion.

Veteran grave markers from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam Conflict are at the site, where a large lump of coal was placed to represent the mining industry.

The group is hoping to secure a Persian Gulf memorial marker, Bickleman said.

His wife, Marlene Bickleman, helps with upkeep, as do Farber’s sons, Danny Jr. and Joel Farber.

The memorial doesn’t receive any organizational sponsorship or funding. The families maintain it on their own.

But Bickleman said it wouldn’t be possible without those who have assisted in other ways over the years.

“It makes all of us feel really great,” he said, noting that all intend to maintain it “as long as we’re alive.”

Farber said it is “great” to know new people are visiting the monument.

He served in the Reserves from 1976-1982. His father received the Purple Heart after being severely injured in the Korean conflict. Eight of his uncles also served in the military.

“That’s how we got our freedom,” he said.

Bickleman served during the Vietnam Conflict from 1972-1976 and was discharged as Gunner’s Mate 3. He is a lifetime American Legion member affiliated Post 173, and a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 173 Squadron. He has held various Legion offices, including Post commander.