JOHNSTOWN —
Courage, devotion, patriotism and sacrifice - words that encapsulate our nation’s veterans.
In honor of men and women who have served in the U.S. military, Conemaugh Valley Veterans and Greater Johnstown School District held its 14th annual Veterans Day breakfast Thursday at East Side Elementary School.
“It’s a way for us to all get together and pause and say thank you to our veterans,” said Jerry Zahorchak, superintendent of Greater Johnstown School District. “The community and young people have to remember that we don’t have our freedoms by chance, so that’s brought to life at an event like this.”
About 160 veterans of all ages from the five military branches - Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard - were in attendance.
The veterans were treated to a performance by East Side pupils who wore patriotic costumes and spoke on the history of each military branch in a salute to the Armed Forces.
Pupils also lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and a Johnstown High School student sang the National Anthem.
Carl Mahan of Johnstown said he’s been coming to the breakfast since its inception.
“It’s a good event and I get to see people I know and I enjoy seeing the show the kids put on,” the Korean War Army vet said.
Navy veteran Red Freidhoff was at the breakfast for the first time and said he wished he started coming sooner because it’s worth attending.
“It’s nice that the community recognize the vets,” the Johnstown resident said. “It’s also nice of the students to do this and explain the military history.”
Ed Wojnaroski and Tom Caufield, members of Conemaugh Valley Veterans offered remarks, and the program came to a close with the playing of Taps.
Zahorchak said the event has grown over the years and he’s pleased to see how engaged community leaders are in making it a success.
“I hope this will inspire young people to serve country above self and that it’s important to be engaged citizens,” he said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
(From l to r) Warren Horn of Johnstown, Tom Kovack of Central City and John Bowman of Coatesville, three former Marines, share a service story and a laugh at the 14th annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Thursday at East Side Elementary.
-
East Side Elementary 5th grader Caroline Gress performing her role as Lady Liberty for the roughly 160 veterans in attendance at the school’s 14th Annual 2012 Veterans Day Breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2012.
Discussion
VIDEO | Veterans Day breakfast a time to "pause and say thank you"
- Local News
-
-
Somerset prison in lockdown
SCI-Somerset is in lockdown for the second day after two correction officers were assaulted by inmates, authorities said.
-
Hitting the road: More holiday drivers expected this year
The long Memorial Day weekend looms like a shining star, and adding to the lure of hitting the highway are moderate temperatures, no forecast for rain and the price of gasoline, which is down significantly from last year.
-
Tie race hinged on missed chance
One vote might stop Jeffory McKenzie from becoming a Summit Township supervisor – his own.
-
Inmate charged in attack
A courtroom attack on a Cambria County defense attorney by a death-row inmate has resulted in a number of criminal charges.
-
Medical center scores big with Lemieux family
Pittsburgh hockey legend Mario Lemieux and his wife, Nathalie, provide the driving force behind a new children’s play area coming to Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown.
-
Cambria leaders laud ‘role model’
The Cambria County commissioners held an evening meeting Thursday at Northern Cambria High School. Aside from cleaning the simple administrative tedium from their plates, they gave special recognition to a man who helped draw in close to $750,000 for the county – all through helping convicts in the adult probation program.
-
Last barrier falls to Route 219 construction
As hoped, the state Department of Environmental Protection came through Thursday with what is described as the final approval needed to allow PennDOT to advertise for bids on the Somerset-to-Meyersdale leg of Route 219.
-
Police allege adults gave booze to minors
Seven adults were charged Thursday with providing alcohol to minors at a drinking party last year in Mineral Point.
-
2 Meyersdale women charged in meth probe
A methamphetamine dump found last week near Meyersdale has led state police to two women they accuse of helping to supply ingredients to the meth-makers.
-
Man waives hearing on 2nd home break-in
A Portage man who police said tried to break into a woman’s home but fled after she confronted him will answer criminal charges in Cambria County court.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Somerset prison in lockdown
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
