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MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 424th Changing of the Colors flag ceremony on Nov. 27 in honor and memory of all fallen comrades.
In the past 236 years, from the Revolutionary War through the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Americans have lost their lives in some 85 wars and assorted military actions.
Most of the more than 1.3 million casualties have occurred in a dozen or so wars from the Civil War through World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam, but thousands have been killed in lesser known expeditions in far-flung corners of the world in such places as Nicaragua, Siberia, Lebanon and Panama.
The Joint Veterans Committee hosts regular events as a way to remember all Americans in uniform killed by hostile enemy action, calling each death a meaningful one that must be remembered and forever recognized.
Many of the local area's sons and daughters have made the supreme sacrifice and are remembered with numerous plaques and monuments throughout the communities.
During this holiday season, the committee urges area residents to remember all those who have served this nation and are currently serving in the armed forces, asking people to pray for the safe return of service members to their families and loved ones and that one day the swords of war be turned in to plowshares.
In honor of Zlockie
The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Charles M. Zlockie, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Taps was played on the bugle by Walter Summers as the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. It was folded by William Begis, Ann Ray Begis and Candelora and the flag was presented to Zlockie's wife, Alberta, by Summers.
The flag raised was escorted to the service by Connie Andrews, which was presented by Summers to Candelora for raising while the national anthem was played. David Berezovske read the military record of Zlockie and the history of the fallen comrades. The ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans.
Charles Noskoviak carried the American flag to the ceremony and the rifle escort was provided by William Begis and Candelora. James Kealy provided traffic control.
The next flag ceremony will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, when the flag will be flown in honor and memory of Lester and Teresa Clark and her son, Richard Boyer.
Pearl Harbor Day service
On at 1 p.m. Sunday, a Pearl Harbor memorial service will be held at Second and Oak streets. In event of inclement weather, the service will be held at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110. Area veterans and the public are invited to attend.