POTTSTOWN PA – Commemorative services, in which Sanatoga’s Brig. Gen. Elmer S. Friedberg American Legion Post 244 again played a significant role, capped Pottstown’s successful Memorial Day 2011 parade through the borough Monday (May 30), ending at the Memorial Park monuments on West King Street.
The solemn ceremonies were sponsored and conducted by the Pottstown Joint Veterans Council, an umbrella organization involving many veterans’ representatives.
Dozens of small American flags (above), each of them topped by a star bearing the name of an honored veteran, created a fluttering carpet across a portion of the park fields as visitors arrived. Entering the park, they also passed a display of military and other vehicles (below), and joined a crowd of other participants in paying tribute to the fallen.
Pottstown’s High School marching band provided musical accompaniment (above) as state Rep. Tom Quigley (below), who represents Lower Pottsgrove, Limerick and Pottstown in the House, was among those offering remarks during the ceremony.
Sanatoga American Legion post members had a busy week preceding their participation in Monday’s tribute, according to Adjutant Billy Worrell.
- On Saturday (May 21), they installed graveside flags in Pottstown’s Highland Memorial Park Cemetery;
- Last Sunday (May 22), they were among those helping to recognize a North Coventry resident and Army assault team leader in Iraq who received an award at the township’s Big Woods Festival;
- On Wednesday (May 25) they welcomed a U.S. Army soldier home to Royersford following a tour of duty in Afghanistan; and
- On Friday (May 27) they turned out in force to enjoy the annual veterans services conducted by students at St. Mary’s School in Schwenksville.
Photos for The Post by Aimee M. Herbert, Aimee Marie Photography
We can but honor those who served, some who were wounded, and some who gave all. Our freedoms are hard won and hard earned. Veterans Day reminds all Americans that but for their sacrifices and efforts our freedoms would not be.
God Bless our fellow citizens who served in the military and in many ways gave us what we enjoy each and every day!
I’d like to especially remember my father, MSgt Edward J. Cox, who died in Vietnam in 1966 earning the Silver Star and Purple Heart for Gallantry in action, and my son, Edward J. Cox III, who served with distinction in Iraq and has returned safe to his wife and new daughter.
EJ Cox
Sanatoga, PA
Ed, this is a beautiful comment. Thanks very much. We are indeed indebted to your father, your son, you (I know you served as well) and all the countless others who have put the country ahead of themselves.