KULPMONT - American Legion Post 231 along with the Kulpmont Veterans of Foreign Wars attended the 8:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Angels Church honoring the veterans of all wars and Ladies Auxiliary Post 231 Nov. 10. The mass was also for the intention of all living and deceased members of the Armed Forces. The Rev. Andrew Stahmer, pastor, was the celebrant.
In his homily, Stahmer recognized all attending veterans and asked them to stand up when he called through different branches of the service who served from World War II to the present. The congregation then gave them an overwhelming expression of thanks to the veterans for the service to their country.
Following Mass, all veterans and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 231 and the public assembled at Roosevelt Court, Kulpmont, including all honor guards and firing squads. Commander Albert Goodlunas gave a welcome address and thanked everyone for a great turnout.
"It is with honor that we come each year to honor the names on these tablets. The men and women who gave their lives so we could have the freedom we enjoy," Goodlunas said. "We will always remember their sacrifice to them and their loved ones."
Past commander Andrew Bednarchick gave the order for the firing squad to fire three rounds. Taps was played while the honor guard and all present stood at attention and sang the national anthem.
Following the program, all were invited to the legion post home for a full breakfast.
On Veterans Day, Legion members assembled outside the post home to honor all who gave their lives, men and women from all wars. The command was given to the firing squad to prepare to fire three rounds. At the completion of the rounds, Taps was played and the veterans saluted the flag. At that time, coincidentally, a jet flew over with a huge stream coming from its tail assembly.
Goodlunas reminded members that there will be no meetings in November and December, because of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014.