Johnstown is a city full of traditions and plenty of veterans in the population. On this year's Veterans Day, I did not do anything special, but am grateful for the men and women whose service is beyond special.
One of those veterans is my uncle. As a veteran and former state representative, much of his adult life has been dedicated to service. From his military commitment to the political platform on which he once stood, I have always admired his character. At breakfast this past weekend, he explained to me how an ambitious few created the Conemaugh Valley Veterans group.
That group is represented each year in the Veterans Day parade that makes its way through downtown Johnstown. Well into his retirement, my uncle is still a visible Johnstown community leader proudly representing a core of veterans and the place he calls home. After the parade, he attended the Tomahawks game as Johnstown has a history of bringing good causes and hockey together.
In May of 2015, Johnstown claimed victory in the Kraft Hockeyville USA contest. From a mass media perspective, it put this part of Pennsylvania on the map. The Tomahawks have picked up where the Chiefs have left off, skating their way into the fabric of the community. My uncle was somewhere in that Military Appreciation Night crowd - cheering, commemorating, and like a true politician, chatting.
Meanwhile, I was coloring in the American flag. Saint Michael's parish hosted another Kids Night Out to honor our local veterans. I patriotically selected red and blue crayons and got to work. Surrounded by kids, parents, and grandparents, it was a crazy Crayola Friday night. Cards made by the kids will be delivered to local veterans and hopefully will provide some holiday cheer and gratitude.
There are many ways to serve. Some serve country. Others clap at the parade. The Tomahawks provide a night of dedicated entertainment. Kids send a Red, White, and Blue picture.
No matter how we serve, there is reason to be thankful. A special thank you to my uncle and all those who served and serve in our country's military.
If we work together, this community can be something special.
No comments:
Post a Comment