The memories of wars gone by hung in the air of courtroom 1 Tuesday afternoon as residents, veterans and employees of Carbon County gathered in Jim Thorpe to honor the brave men and women who served the country.

During the county's annual Veterans Day program, Stephen Vlossak, a Vietnam war veteran and lifetime resident of Palmerton, addressed the people and fellow veterans in attendance about what it means to be a veteran.

"It is unlike anything you can ever encounter in your life," he said. "It encompasses some great times with lasting friendships and seeing different parts of the world, but it also includes sad, lonely, scary and horrifying times."

Vlossak, standing before the crowd dressed in his Vietnam jungle fatigues to remember the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam war, where soldiers were looked down upon when they returned home, said that serving his country was something he would choose to do over and over again.

Following the war, Vlossak returned to Carbon County, went to college, got married and had a family.

Today, he is a husband, father, grandfather and one of the many threads in Carbon County's historical tapestry.

Henry Desrosiers, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs in Carbon County, also spoke about the importance of holding events such as this to honor the millions of men and women who served this country over the years.


"Today is a day of honor, a day to honor," Desrosiers said. "Veterans come from all walks of life, they all share several qualities: courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity.

"As dedicated men and women, our United States veterans reinforce the truth that heroism is not a gift or a goal but rather a moment and sometimes a lifetime of pure selflessness."

His remarks were joined with Carbon County Commissioners Wayne Nothstein, chairman; Thomas J. Gerhard and William O'Gurek, who all said that if it wasn't for brave men and women choosing to put their life on the line and serve this country, we would not enjoy the freedoms that we have today.

Gil Henry, chaplain for the Dolon-Jones-Martino American Legion Post 304, Jim Thorpe, provided the invocation and benediction, while Angela Nardini showcased her singing ability with her renditions of the "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America."

At the conclusion of the presentation, the crowd gathered outside the courthouse to participate in a gun salute, performed by the area's United Veterans' Organization.