MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 417th Changing of the Colors flag ceremony Sunday in honor and memory of Artillo J. Parella, another veteran of America's greatest generation.
Parella was born Aug. 29, 1923, in Kulpmont, a son of Samuel and Florence Parella. He attended St. Mary's Elementary School, Kulpmont.
Parella entered the U.S. Army on Feb. 27, 1943, at New Cumberland. He was honorably on Oct. 29, 1945, at Separation Center, Camp Fannin, Texas, as a private first class. He was a light machine gunner with Company C, 324th Infantry. He received the following medals: Combat Infantry Badge, Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal with three bronze stars for campaigns in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe; World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II honorable discharge pin. Parella received two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat on Oct. 25, 1944, and Dec. 3, 1944. Total service to his country was 1 year, 9 months and 24 days, of which foreign service was 10 months, 16 days.
A retired coal miner, Parella was a member of Holy Angels Church and the former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, American Legion Post 231 and East End Fire Company, all of Kulpmont, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110, Mount Carmel.
Parella died Feb. 28, 2011, and is buried at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. He is survived by a daughter, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a great-grandson and his caretakers, Dennis Koprowski and Frances Stutzman.
The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Anthony J. Martino, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. "Taps" was sounded on the bugle by Vince Giacomini when the Martino flag was lowered, and it was folded by William Begis, Thomas Shimko and Walter Summers. The flag was then presented to Marino's son, Anthony, by Summers. The committee offered its condolences to the Martino family due to the death of Anthony's twin brother, Joseph, who recently died. Like his brother, Joseph also served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
The Parella flag was escorted to the ceremony by Charles Noskoviak. The national anthem was played during the raising. A flag was presented to Parella's daughter, Mary Ann Hooper, by Koprowski. Shimko lowered and raised both flags. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Summers led all present in the singing "God Bless America." The ceremony ended with a silent salute for deceased veterans.
Andrew Bubnis carried the American flag to the ceremony. Dick Amershek carried the Marine Corps flag. The rifle escort consisted of Anthony Candelora and Ronald Halcovich. Traffic control was provided by James Kealy. Summers thanked the families and friends of Martino and Parella for their participation in the program.
The next flag ceremony will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 22, when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of Daniel Fessler, who served in the 151st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.