Porter Township dedicates new Veterans Memorial

PORTER TOWNSHIP, PA – It was a beautiful afternoon on Saturday in Lamar where better than 75 folks gathered for the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial at the Porter Township Community Park. The event was held by the Porter Township Recreation Board to mark the completion of the relocation of the Veterans memorial stones that have been in the township for many years but not at an easily accessible and viewable site.

The Veterans Memorial site had been located at the triangle of Nittany Valley Drive across from the Nittany Valley Fire Company and now relocated to the Township Recreation Park. The project began by a veteran and resident of the township asking the Recreation Board to consider moving the monument stones to the park since there is so much more space. The result is a wonderful new site in the park to honor veterans from Porter Township who served their country.

Within the vision of the new site for the memorial stones, another project was also incorporated called “Memory Bricks.” The engraved bricks were placed in the foundation of the platform with names of Veterans and lifelong residents of families who have resided in the community for generations, providing memories to last forever.

The Veterans memorial stones recognize 106 veterans from Porter Township who served in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. The original wood honor roll stood on Bletz Road and then was placed at the Nittany Valley Fire Company, minus some of the names of the service men at that time. That memorial was started in April of 1948. Mrs. C.W. Smith who at that time lived in the old stone house, donated the first flag in memory of her husband who served in World War I. The stone was placed at the fire house parking lot for a number of years. It was then moved to Nittany Valley Drive and Spring Run Road for many more years. The memorial that stood at Spring Run Road was designed by Irvine Meyer of Lamar.

It is believed that the large stone came from the Gilbert Fleming farm near the Fish Hatchery. There are currently 89 bricks installed for many reasons and they all have a story to tell, but all have the common factor of lasting memories forever. The bricks are being engraved by Clinton County Memorials. Bricks can be ordered for $50 per brick by contacting the Porter Township office at 570-726-6733 or e-mailing portertownship@yahoo.com. The project has also generated income to cover expenses and continue to make improvements in the park for the future.

Kevin Frank, Recreation Board & Porter Township Supervisor Chair welcomed everyone and thanked those for their service to the nation. In addition, PA State Representative Stephanie Borowicz, Veterans Affair Director Jennifer Hagaman, Larry Butler, Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding, Mark Saville Porter Township Recreation Board Vice Chairman all spoke and offered their thanks to the veterans.  Vietnam Veteran Ret. Col. Blaine Fleming spoke with an inspirational message of serving the United States. He gave thanks to all who served.

After the remarks was the laying of the wreath on the memorial by Terry Jeirles with John MacMillen USAF Vietnam Veteran playing the bagpipes. The Jersey Shore – Honor Guard provided a Gun Salute and Taps during the dedication.

After the event those in attendance were provided with hotdogs, ice-cream and water provided by PTAC. The Recreation Board offered a thank you to Clinton County Memorials owner-operator Andrew Noll and the Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven for lending the flags to the township for the event. This event was sponsored by the Porter Township Recreation Board. Members are: Chairman Kevin Frank, Vice Chair Mark Saville, Rich Brungard and Cathy Gates, assisted by township secretary Carol Colucci.

In addition to Saturday’s dedication of the Memorial. The Porter Township recreation board also dedicated the baseball field to the 1950 Mill Hall Little League All-Star team.  Commissioner Jeff Snyder congratulated those on the team in attendance and thanked the community for their support.