MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 423rd Changing of the Colors flag ceremony Oct. 16 in honor and memory of Charles M. "Kaz" Zlockie Sr.
Zlockie was born in Kulpmont, April 6, 1924, a son of Michael and Helen Zlockie. He attended St. Casimir Catholic Grade School, Kulpmont, and Kulpmont High School. He received a GED and graduated in 1943 from Alliance Technical School, Erie, where he was trained in tool and machine design.
Zlockie entered the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1943, at U.S. Naval Training Station, Sampson, N.Y., and was honorably discharged as an aviation machinist's mate third class May 16, 1946, at U.S. Navy Personnel Separation Center, Bainbridge, Md.
He served with Blimp Hedron Four, Blimp Headquarters Squadron Four, Blimp Hedron One Detachment 24 and Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, N.J. During the war, he patrolled the South American coast in search of German U-boats. He received the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
He served two years, 10 months and 19 days.
Following his military service, he joined the family business, Checker Battery, until his retirement in 1989.
On April 11, 1953, he married the former Alberta Karpinski, who survives.
He was a member of Holy Angels Church and the former St. Casimir Church, St. Casimir's Rosary Group and American Legion Post 231, all of Kulpmont, and Knights of Columbus Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Council 628 and Assembly 959, Mount Carmel.
Zlockie died Aug. 13, 2011, and is buried in St. Casimir's Cemetery, Kulpmont. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, six daughters, 22 grandchildren and a sister.
A flag flown the previous month was in honor and memory of Henry R. Fesniak, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
Taps was played on bugle by Vincent Giacomini as the flag was lowered by Walter Summers. It was folded by Andrew Bubnis and Summers and presented to Fesniak's daughter, Judy Bucher.
Zlockie's flag was escorted to the ceremony by Rose Koldash and presented by Zlockie's wife. Anthony Candelora raised the flag while the National Anthem was played. David Berezovske read the military records of both Fesniak and Zlockie. Fesniak's son, the Rev. Mark Fesniak, led all in reciting the Lord's Prayer. The ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans.
Summers noted the passing of Teresa Clark, who died Oct. 2. Clark was a faithful attendee of the ceremony who did it in memory of her late husband, Lester, and son Richard Boyer, who both served in the armed forces. Clark was last present at a ceremony held Sept. 25.
Charles Noskoviak carried the American flag to the ceremony and Connie Andrews carried the Marine Corps flag. The rifle escort was provided by Bubnis and William Begis. James Kealy provided traffic control. Also participating was Ann Ray Begis.
The next flag ceremony will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27.