MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 428th Changing of the Colors flag ceremony in honor and memory of an area native who served in the U.S. Army.
Mark Thomas Candelora was born Jan. 13, 1965, in Coal Township, a son of Anthony and Barbara (Bourinski) Candelora. He was a 1983 graduate of Shamokin Area High School.
Candelora enlisted in the U.S. Army in Wilkes-Barre on Sept. 8, 1983 and was honorably discharged at Fort Bragg, N.C. as an specialist four on July 10, 1986. Total service to his country was two years, 10 months and three days. He served as a telecommunications center operator with Company D, 25th Signal Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. He received the following medals: Army Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge for the M-16 Rifle, Army Good Conduct Medal, Parachute Badge and the Army Lapel Button.
He was self-employed in the building and construction fields. He was a member of American Legion Post 231, Kulpmont; Our Lady of Hope Church, Coal Township; Rescue Fire Company, Shamokin, and the Forest Hill Fire Company, Coal Township.
Candelora died Dec. 25, 2003, and is buried in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. At the time of his death, he was survived by his parents, three brothers, a sister and a grandmother. His brother, Anthony, is the current commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110, Mount Carmel.
The flag that was flown for the past five weeks was in honor and memory of John B. Parry Jr., who was killed in action during World War II in France while serving in the U.S. Army. Taps was played on the bugle by Al Santelli as the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. It was folded by William Begis, Edward Lawler, Thomas Shimko and Candelora. The flag was presented to Parry's nephew, John Parry.
The Candelora flag was escorted to the service by Candelora's nephew, Jacob Zerby. It was presented by Candelora's mother to Walter Summers for raising. His brother, Anthony, raised the flag as the National Anthem was played. David Berezovske read the military records of Parry and Candelora. The ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans. Summers thanked the large crowd of family and friends in attendance for their participation in the ceremony.
Andrew Bubnis carried the American flag to the ceremony, and the rifle escort was provided by Ronald Halcovich and Dennis Koprowski. Frank Zaleski provided traffic control. Also participating in the ceremony were former State Rep. Robert Belfanti Jr., Joseph Candelora Jr., James Kealy, Anthony Rossi, Gene Shipe, Nicholas Kuzo and Andrew Lukoskie.
The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 27 at Second and Oak streets, Mount Carmel. Area veterans and the public are invited to attend.
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliaries were in Mount Carmel to attend the District 12 meeting. Among those attending the ceremony were Pennsylvania Department President Sherry Steinbiser. Introduced by former State President Anna Ray Begis, Stienbiser complimented the Committee on its monthly observance of veterans and thanked all veterans present for their service. Also present were Pennsylvania Department Chief of Staff Beth Bower, District 12 President Nancy Middlesworth, District 12 Chief of Staff Chrissy McLaughlin, District 12 Treasurer and Past president JoAnn Wagner, District 12 Chaplain Doris McLean, Past District President JoAnn Shultz, Auxiliary 1665 Treasurer Bonnie James, Auxiliary 2110 Chaplain Tina Bartholomew, and Peggy Sommers.