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Increased meaning

Sean Paul and Richard Hart, both 10, Wilkes-Barre Township, prepare to march holding flags.

Members of Heights Little League lay a wreath during the 62nd annual Memorial Day services of Wilkes-Barre Township American Legion Post 815.

Jonathan J. Juka photos/for the times leader

Joe Flynn, 16, of Wilkes-Barre, plays the trumpet at the ceremony.

Etta Thier, a 52-year member of American Legion Post 815 Women’s Auxiliary, waves to the crowd.

Jonathan J. Juka/for the times leader

WILKES-BARRE TWP. – Lt. Col. Kevin Miller of the 109th Field Artillery said that the reality of war has truly hit home this Memorial Day as the region mourned the passing of a native son.
“I think these feelings in particular this weekend are a little bit more raw and a little bit more emotional,” said Miller, who was the featured speaker Monday morning during the 62nd annual services at the Wilkes-Barre Township American Legion Post 815 home. “The Pennsylvania Army National Guard was saddened to hear of the loss of 1st Lt. Jeff DePrimo from West Pittston, one of my brothers in arms.”
DePrimo, a Pittston native whose armory unit is based in West Pittston, died Tuesday in Afghanistan. Miller said DePrimo is the fourth member of the Pennsylvania National Guard to be killed in Afghanistan and the 31st Pennsylvania National Guardsman to be killed in the global war on terror.
“It’s at times when we suffer a loss like this that we may feel a sense of despair, a sense of senselessness, and in our deep human grief , we begin to wonder why – especially as we now move closer into our eighth year of this global war on terror,” he said. “Well, the answers to the question why, I think, come in gatherings like this,” he said remarking that services are going on across the nation to remember America’s war dead.
Natives of the township killed during World War I, World War II and the Korean War were also remembered during the service. After each of the 52 names was recited, a bell rang.
“They were kids right here in our township, they were Little Leaguers who played in our St. Joe’s Youth League, they were Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, they were paperboys who delivered papers right here on our streets,” said American Legion Post 815 Commander Joseph Rodzinak. “And when it came time to do their duty, they wore their uniform very proudly.
“Never the day envisioned, with their hearts full of dreams, never the day envisioned that they would never return home. That they would be lying in a far-away battlefield, never to see America again.”
Rodzinak thanked those in attendance for caring enough to attend the services in honor of “those 52 heroes.”
Marie Pekol, of the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre, said she comes every year because it’s important to honor those who’ve died fighting for our country. Pekol said that many of those who died were people that she knew.
Prior to the services, a parade traveled through the streets of the township, starting at the former Wilkes-Barre Township High School and ending at the Post home. Some of the groups participating included the GAR Memorial High School Band, who also performed during the services, Heights Little League, Georgetown Conservation Club, Georgetown Friars, Wilkes-Barre Township fire and police departments, Ashley Fire Department and various Girl and Boy Scout troops. Mayor Carl Kuren and members of council also attended, as well as state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre.

“Never the day envisioned, with their hearts full of dreams, never the day envisioned that they would never return home. That they would be lying in a far-away battlefield, never to see America again.”

Commander Joseph Rodzinak

American Legion Post 815