With the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaching, retired U.S. Navy Veteran Paul Ziegenfus asked those attending Sunday’s Memorial Day service to “recommit to the future they fought for - one grounded in freedom, democracy, equality, and opportunity for all.”

Less than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in that war are still alive. “Every day, memories of World War II are disappearing from living history.” Ziegenfus said. “We need to be committed to honoring those who secured the freedom we cherish and carrying on the legacies of the WWII generation.”

The Polk Township Veterans’ Memorial Day event took place under warm sunny skies outside Salem-St. Paul Lutheran Church, by the Veterans’ Memorial and Adam’s Faith Garden in Kresgeville. The ceremony started at 2 p.m. with a welcome from Polk Supervisor Carl Heckman.

“We honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Heckman said. “We offer our thanks for their service.”

While this year’s remembrance focused on D-Day, all the armed forces serving and dying in several wars were memorialized.

Time-honored traditions were observed, such as the playing of taps by George Moretz, the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner by Nicolette Sonmez–Jones, and the laying of a patriotic wreath by the Smale family and Boy Scout Troop 101. A moment of silence and invocation/benediction were also part of the program.

The color guard comprised members of Boy Scout Troop 98, and Girl Scout Troops 52339 and 30425 led the Pledge of Allegiance.

“It’s an honor to serve my community as a Girl Scout and to remember those who sacrificed for our country,” said Ava Stabile of Kunkletown, a member of Senior Troop 52339. Her great-grandfather served in the Korean War and her late grandpa served in the Vietnam War.

Fellow Girl Scout Sofia Cuddy of Albrightsville, a member of Junior Troop 30425, said her dad and grandpa were in the U.S. Army and her uncle was in the Marines, but now is in the Air Force. When asked what Memorial Day means to her, she said it’s a time “to honor, respect and remember.”

West End Fair Queen Sophia Alcamo was not in her regal attire, but in the dress uniform she proudly wears as a member of the Army National Guard.

The 21-year-old said she is “proud to wear the uniform,” adding, “it’s an honor to do our part.” Her grandpa, who was in the Army, had an influence on her. “I love being part of the brotherhood and sisterhood of the military family.”

Alcamo’s role during Sunday’s event was master at arms, helping with the program and introductions.

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. Let us continue to express our thanks at every opportunity for the bravery of the fallen American soldier,” she commented while at the podium.

In his keynote, Ziegenfus described the storming of the shores of Normandy, France and the “greatest amphibious military operation in history” by nearly 160,000 Allied forces. He shared the story of decorated veteran Bill Parker from Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of the few survivors of the first wave by the 116th infantry regiment.

“In 2022, Parker was able to go to Normandy and Omaha Beach again for the first time since the war,” Ziegenfus told those gathered on Trach Road. “He said that he watched children play on the beach and romp with their little dogs, running and jumping and having fun. He told friends that seeing this allowed him to sleep without nightmares of Omaha Beach for the first time.”

Those who attended the May 26 pre-Memorial Day ceremony were invited to say a prayer in the garden and to reflect on the holiday.

Plans for a Memory Wall at the Veterans’ Memorial were shared during the event. Estimated completion is 2025, with the unveiling in 2026 for the United States’ semiquincentennial. Ceramic plaques featuring a veteran’s picture, name and service branch can be purchased through the Veterans’ Memorial Commission. For information, call 570-216-2301 or email polktwpmemorial@gmail.com.