East Taylor Township native John Zupancic, a Vietnam War veteran, helped dedicate East Taylor Township’s veterans memorial Wednesday.
Zupancic now is retired from the Secret Service. But he remembers where he was on Sept. 11, 2001.
He was working in the World Trade Center complex on that fateful day.
Then the first hijacked airliner slammed into the twin towers
“We thought a transformer blew,” Zupancic said.
“Then they notified us and we got out and helped other people get away from everything and just watched the building burn.”
Zupancic returned home Wednesday to be the keynote speaker at the East Taylor ceremony.
The stone monument located at the township municipal building bears the names of 108 township men and women who served in all branches of the armed forces.
“I believe this monument captures the memories, commitment and valor of the living and fallen veterans,” Zupancic said.
“Because of our veterans, this country will remain the land of the free and the home of the brave. This is an absolute true statement.”
About 100 people turned out for the monument dedication.
Men from VFW Post 155 in Geistown raised the American flag and a flag honoring MIAs and POWs. A bugler played taps, prayers were said, patriotic songs rang out and the monument was uncovered as residents crowded around to glimpse the names of family and friends etched into the gray stone.
Harry D. Glacken Sr. found his name and those of four other Glackens who served.
“I love my country,” said Glacken, an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War. “This is wonderful for the men who died.”
VFW member Robert Haberkorn paid tribute to the East Taylor veterans “who fought for the defense and preservation of our way of life.”
“This is a solemn and important occasion,” he said. “These men and women are worthy of far greater recognition than mere words.”
Supervisor Bob Spanko said the honor roll was the idea of a former township supervisor, Ronald “Red” Loya.
“It was long overdue,” Spanko said. “We want to honor our vets.”
Plans are in the works to add more names, he said.
Spanko credited Rich Bailey of Shetler Memorials of Johnstown for designing the honor roll.
Others who helped included township Supervisor Art Thomson and his wife, Bonnie, and Dave Hirko, a Jackson Township official.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing the township did,” said resident Marilyn Pavic, who attended the ceremony. “Not enough people give the veterans credit for what they did.”
A representative from the office of state Rep. Frank Burns, D-East Taylor, also attended.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Army veteran Harry D. Glacken Sr. on Wednesday points to the East Taylor Township veterans memorial, where he found his name and the names of four other Glackens who served in the military. Todd Berkey
Discussion
Township dedicates monument
- Local News
-
-
Richland manufacturer showcases expansion
Business and government leaders gathered Monday at a Richland Township manufacturing company to celebrate the expansion of its export business, made possible through some cooperative government programs.
-
New jury to hear Blair case
The 12 jury members and two alternates chosen nearly a month ago to decide the fate of Nicholas Adam Horner were excused on Monday by Blair County President Judge Jolene Kopriva.
-
Blogging with heart
Launching into the second week of American Heart Month, I'm looking at stories on the leading-edge treatment options and how local heart specialists are helping patients live longer.
-
Marijuana bust: Police seeking runaway seize dozens of pot plants
City police looking for a runaway juvenile stumbled onto a marijuana “grow operation,” seized more than 40 pot plants and arrested two apartment house neighbors.
-
Former speaker convicted
A jury on Monday convicted a senior Democrat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on all but one of six charges in the latest corruption trial stemming from a five-year investigation into the use of taxpayers’ resources for political purposes.
-
‘Dramatic’ Pa. budget cuts expected
Top state senators say they expect Gov. Tom Corbett to propose a budget plan today that relies on cuts in spending for education and social services to balance sluggish tax collections and the rising costs of pensions and debt.
-
ACRP seeks partners for neighborhood gardens
A few years ago, the Alternative Community Resource Program and its partners planted a garden alongside Napoleon Street in a move to fill both hungry stomachs and a need for neighborhood rejuvenation.
-
‘Hope for the future’: Workshops offer confidence boost to cancer patients
Chances are when you look good you feel better about yourself.
-
Police Roundup: Martindale man accused of trying to enter cars at Portage dealership
A Portage-area man has been charged with criminal attempt at theft after state police said he was discovered trying to enter three vehicles in the parking lot of Stager’s Chevrolet.
-
In brief: Fire destroys windmill turbine
Fire destroyed a windmill turbine at the Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm on top of the mountain in Blair County between Blue Knob and Lilly on Monday morning.
- More Local News Headlines
-
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
